Putin Continues to Hold Ceasefire Hostage, Orders Recruitment of 160,000 Additional Troops

Russia has ordered its largest recruitment increase since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, with 160,000 additional military personnel being called to the frontlines.

The planned draft size has increased from 150,000 in 2024 and 134,500 in 2022, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

This move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an increase in the size of the Russian military to 1.5 million active soldiers—a boost of about 180,000 troops over the next three years. This action comes despite growing efforts by the United States to bring about a ceasefire in the three-year conflict, with Putin being accused of delaying the peace process.

Despite the Kremlin’s claim that the calls for recruitment are unrelated to the war in Ukraine, Kyiv has stated throughout the conflict that it has captured Russian recruits, and Putin has previously admitted that some were mistakenly sent to fight.

Russian men are required to serve mandatory military service twice a year through conscription.

In addition to conscription, Russia has recruited hundreds of thousands of men for its offensive in Ukraine as contracted soldiers, offering high salaries and massive bonuses for enlistment. Traditionally, Russia holds waves of recruitment in the spring and fall, with men between the ages of 18 and 30 eligible to be called up.