Putin signs decree on spring military draft: How many Russians to be conscripted?
Illustrative photo: Putin signs a decree on the spring military draft in Russia (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin signs a decree on the spring draft for military service, calling up Russians aged 18 to 30. About 160,000 people will be conscripted, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The draft in Russia begins on April 1 and will last until July 15. Citizens aged 18 to 30 will be conscripted.
With the same decree, Putin discharged soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and warrant officers whose mandatory military service term had ended.
Notably, the 2024 spring draft included 150,000 people, compared to 147,000 in 2023 and 134,500 in 2022. This indicates that Putin is gradually increasing the size of the Russian army.
Russia uses prisoners for the war against Ukraine
Russia began recruiting prisoners in the first year of the invasion, a process led by Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. After his death, the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya) started enlisting former Wagner fighters to strengthen its control.
Additionally, Russia’s Defense Ministry recruits women from prisons as assault troops and snipers. Recently, the State Duma allowed convicted rapists to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry to fight against Ukraine.
In October last year, reports emerged that Russian authorities might send about 20,000 pretrial detainees to war in Ukraine.
