Russian soldiers marches in unison during a military parade, showcasing discipline, strength, and national pride in full uniform. Photograph/Creative thinking/Gettyimages
EPICSTORIAN — Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the conscription of 160,000 troops into the Russian army, marking one of the largest recruitment waves in recent years.
The latest draft, surpassing previous spring intakes, comes as Russia intensifies military efforts in Ukraine.
Russian Army Expands Amid War Efforts
A newly signed decree launches Russia’s biannual conscription cycle, running from April 2 to July 15.
The current drive increases recruitment by 10,000 compared to last year and by over 15,000 compared to three years ago. The Russian army, once at 1 million personnel, has now grown to approximately 1.5 million.
Frontline Realities and Foreign Reinforcements
The conscription drive aligns with ongoing operations in Ukraine. Russian forces have relied on North Korean troops to counter Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region while pushing forward in eastern Ukraine.
Reports indicate some conscripts are pressured into signing contracts that lead to frontline deployment. Others came under fire during Ukraine’s surprise attack on the Kursk region in August 2024.
Russian Army Stick Continue Ground Operations Amid Diplomatic Moves
Ground operations continue in Donetsk’s Pokrovsk region, alongside aerial strikes targeting Ukrainian cities. Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev is scheduled to visit Washington for discussions with Trump administration official Steve Witkoff regarding the ongoing war.
This visit marks the highest-level Russian delegation to the U.S. since the 2022 invasion. Diplomatic engagements have increased following President Donald Trump’s return to office in January. Trump recently suggested that Russia may be “dragging their feet” in negotiations.
Putin’s Response to Trump’s Ceasefire Proposal
Putin dismissed Trump’s recent call for an immediate ceasefire, insisting that U.S. sanctions be lifted before halting hostilities in the Black Sea.
These demands surfaced after the latest round of negotiations, where Washington announced a temporary moratorium on combat operations..
