Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
Russia Orders Mass Conscription Amid Ukraine Conflict
President Vladimir Putin has mandated the conscription of 160,000 young Russian men for mandatory military service, amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This significant draft underscores Russia’s continued focus on bolstering its armed forces. The move comes as Russia proceeds with its military operations and seeks to maintain troop levels.
Conscription Details and Timeline
According to a presidential decree issued on Monday, Russian citizens aged 18 to 30 are mandated to be drafted into service by mid-July. This conscription drive marks the largest mobilization of conscripts since the Kremlin prioritized professional contract soldiers as part of army reforms initiated in 2012. Traditionally, Russia conducts biannual conscription campaigns each spring and autumn, enlisting over 100,000 men per campaign for a one-year term of military service.
Electronic and Traditional Call-Up Notices
The General Staff has announced that this conscription campaign will utilize a centralized electronic database. However, the traditional method of delivering printed call-up notices via registered mail to home addresses will continue to be employed by district recruitment offices.
Digitalization of Military Recruitment
Alongside physical notices, electronic call-up notifications will also be issued through the state services website, Gosuslugi. The widespread adoption of this portal for numerous public services means that virtually all adult Russians possess a personal account, facilitating the delivery of digital conscription orders.
Military Expansion and Troop Strength
Since the commencement of military actions in neighboring Ukraine, the Kremlin has implemented three increases in the overall troop strength of the Russian army.
Most recently, in autumn of last year, President Putin decreed a further expansion, setting the target personnel strength at 2.4 million, including a 1.5 million-strong contingent of soldiers.
Conscripts and the Ukraine War
While official statements maintain that conscripts are not deployed in the war against Ukraine, instances of their involvement in combat within Russian border regions have been reported.