Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued the largest military draft since 2011, calling up 160,000 men aged 18-30. Military officials assure that the new men joining the army will not be sent to fight in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called up 160,000 men aged 18-30. This number marks the highest figure recorded as part of Russia’s steps to expand its military since 2011. Putin had previously stated that Russia needs to increase its total army size to around 2.39 million and its active duty personnel to 1.5 million.

EXPANSION OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY According to the British broadcaster BBC, there will be an increase of 180,000 personnel within the next three years. Russia conducts military recruitment in spring and autumn, but the inclusion of 160,000 young men in the recent call-up represents a higher number compared to the same period in 2024. Russia not only recruits twice a year but also calls up numerous contract soldiers and gathers thousands of soldiers from North Korea. BOTH MAIL AND MESSAGES WILL BE SENT Starting from the beginning of last year, the pool of young men to join the army has been expanded, with the maximum age limit increased from 27 to 30. In addition to call-up notices sent by mail to young men in Russia, notifications will also be sent via the state services website Gosuslugi. Since ordering the takeover of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has tripled the size of the army. NEW SOLDIERS WILL NOT BE SENT TO UKRAINE Rear Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky stated that the new soldiers will not be sent to fight in Ukraine, which Russia refers to as a “special military operation.” Ukraine reported that 45,000 people were left without electricity following an attack on an electrical facility in the southern Ukrainian city of Herson by Russia. Although Russia has rejected a complete ceasefire brokered by Ukraine and the U.S., it claims to have agreed to stop attacking Ukraine’s energy facilities.