Russian President Vladimir Putin has initiated a significant military conscription, calling up 160,000 men aged between 18 and 30, marking the largest recruitment since 2011. This move aligns with Putin’s vision to increase the size of the Russian armed forces to approximately 2.39 million personnel, with 1.5 million designated as active soldiers, according to reports from the BBC.
The Kremlin announced that these new conscripts will undertake a one-year term of military service. While Russian officials assert that only volunteer soldiers are actively deployed in Ukraine, there have been instances where draftees were captured during conflicts, notably when Ukrainian forces launched operations into Russia’s Kursk region last August.
This latest draft, which will take place from April to July, coincides with ongoing US efforts to mediate a ceasefire in the protracted conflict with Ukraine. A Kremlin spokesperson described the situation as a complex and lengthy process, especially in light of US President Donald Trump’s expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of peace discussions between Ukraine and Russia.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russia has effectively rejected a US proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. The potential for a partial ceasefire concerning the Black Sea, a crucial corridor for grain and cargo shipments, remains uncertain due to strict conditions set forth by Kremlin negotiators.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the ongoing aggression from Russia, stating that attacks have persisted without any sign of reduction. He condemned the regularity and intensity of Russian strikes, emphasising a lack of genuine interest in diplomacy from Putin’s administration.
Zelenskyy called for increased international pressure on Russia, urging for new sanctions to compel Moscow to engage in serious negotiations. He reiterated that the relentless shelling and assaults only underline the need for a more robust and united front against the conflict.
The situation continues to evolve, with both military personnel increases and ongoing diplomatic efforts shaping the future of the region. The interplay between military actions and diplomatic initiatives remains a focal point as the conflict shows no signs of resolution.