Putin Orders 160,000 Troops in Expanded Conscription Amid Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a significant military conscription drive, calling up 160,000 men to bolster Russia’s armed forces as the war in Ukraine intensifies.

The decree, signed by Putin, marks the start of Russia’s latest biannual draft, running from April 1 to July 15. This year’s conscription target is 10,000 higher than last spring and reflects Moscow’s continued military expansion, with Russia’s troop strength increasing from 1 million in 2022 to 1.5 million today.

The move comes as Russian forces escalate their offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk, while Ukrainian troops continue to mount resistance. Reports indicate that Moscow has also sought reinforcements from North Korea, with 3,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly deployed to support Russia’s war efforts.

Under Russian law, conscripts are not supposed to be sent directly into combat zones without additional training. However, reports suggest many recruits are coerced into signing contracts that lead to their deployment in Ukraine. Others have found themselves caught in frontline battles, particularly during Ukraine’s counteroffensives.

As the conflict escalates, diplomatic efforts continue. Senior Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., for talks with a Trump administration official. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Russia to agree to a ceasefire, but Putin has rejected the appeal, insisting that any truce must include lifting U.S. sanctions.

With Russia ramping up its military strength, the war shows no signs of slowing, raising questions about whether diplomacy or continued fighting will define the next phase of the conflict.