Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the conscription of 160,000 additional soldiers as Ukraine warns that Moscow is preparing for a large-scale spring offensive. The announcement, reported by Russian news agency Interfax, comes at a crucial moment in ongoing ceasefire negotiations brokered by the United States.
The draft, which targets Russian men between 18 and 30 years old, will begin on April 1 and continue until July 15. While some conscripts are set to be discharged after completing their service, the Kremlin’s renewed push for fresh troops raises concerns that Russia is gearing up for an intensified military campaign.
Ukraine: Russia is Stalling Peace Talks to Gain More Land
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Kremlin is deliberately dragging out ceasefire negotiations to buy time and strengthen its military position.
“Russia is preparing for new offensives in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions,” Zelenskyy said. “Putin wants to negotiate territory from a position of strength, but his only real goal is more war.”
The Ukrainian leader has accused Russia of using diplomatic talks as a smokescreen to distract the international community while it reinforces its military presence along key frontline regions.
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Trump Weighs In as U.S. Seeks Diplomatic Solution
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who remains an influential voice in American foreign policy, recently expressed frustration with Putin’s demands.
“I’m pissed off that Putin wants Zelenskyy out of the picture before any peace deal,” Trump said in a statement. Despite his anger, Trump maintains that Putin is willing to end the war, a belief that runs counter to growing concerns from Western allies.
Staggering Casualties on Both Sides
The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll on both Russian and Ukrainian forces. Independent Russian journalists have confirmed the names of over 100,000 Russian soldiers killed since the war began. However, Ukrainian officials claim the real number is much higher—approaching one million dead and wounded.
On the Ukrainian side, over 46,000 soldiers have died, with another 380,000 wounded, according to official figures. Despite these heavy losses, Ukraine has improved survival rates among its troops.
According to General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s Army Chief Commander, recent changes in training have helped reduce casualties.
“We have modernized our basic military training and introduced an adaptive period for recruits,” Syrskyi said. “This has led to a decline in losses.”
Russia’s Draft: A Sign of Desperation?
The Kremlin has framed the draft as part of its routine military service cycle, but analysts suggest it signals a desperate attempt to bolster Russia’s struggling war efforts.
Despite Russia’s vast military resources, it has struggled with troop shortages, forcing Moscow to rely on convicts, mercenaries, and untrained recruits to sustain its war efforts.
“Putin believes his troops will ‘finish’ the Ukrainian army,” one Russian military insider stated. However, Ukraine’s resistance remains strong, backed by continuous Western military aid.
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What’s Next? A Tense Spring Ahead
With 160,000 new Russian soldiers entering the battlefield, the coming months could see a significant escalation in the conflict. Western nations, including Canada, are closely monitoring developments, with some calling for increased military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The United Nations and NATO have urged Russia to pursue genuine peace negotiations, but with new troops being mobilized, a ceasefire appears increasingly unlikely in the near future.
As global tensions mount, one thing is clear: the Russia-Ukraine war is far from over. The world watches anxiously as both sides prepare for the next phase of this devastating conflict.
