President Vladimir Putin has announced the country’s largest military call-up in years. A total of 160,000 conscripts, aged 18-30, have been summoned to serve for a year, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
The call-up comes as Russia seeks to expand its military to 2.39 million personnel, with 1.5 million active servicemen. This move is widely seen as a response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has put a significant strain on Russia’s military resources.
According to Vice Adm Vladimir Tsimlyansky, the new conscripts will not be deployed to Ukraine. However, reports have emerged of conscripts being killed in fighting in Russia’s border regions, raising concerns about their potential involvement in the conflict.
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The call-up has sparked concerns among Russians, with many families worried about the safety of their loved ones. The move has also been criticized by Western leaders, who see it as a further escalation of the Ukraine conflict.
Russia’s military expansion is not limited to the call-up. The country has also been recruiting contract soldiers and mercenaries, including thousands from North Korea. This move has raised concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the region.
The Ukraine conflict has had a devastating impact on Russia’s military, with over 100,000 soldiers killed or injured. The call-up is seen as an attempt to replenish Russia’s depleted military ranks and maintain its presence in Ukraine.
Despite the call-up, Russia’s military is facing significant challenges. The country’s economy is struggling, and the military is facing shortages of equipment and supplies. The call-up may provide a temporary boost to Russia’s military, but it is unlikely to address the underlying issues.
