Russia Announces Largest Military Draft in 14 Years
From April to June 2025, 160,000 young men will be conscripted into the Russian army — the highest number since 2011. The decree has already been signed, and regional preparations are underway.
Photo: GovernmentZA, CC BY-ND 2.0
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree launching the 2025 spring military draft. From April 1 to July 15, 160,000 conscripts aged 18 to 30 will be sent for mandatory military service.
The official document is published on the website for legal information disclosure. This is the largest spring draft since 2011, when 203,000 people were conscripted into the army.
According to the decree, the government, regional authorities, and draft commissions must ensure the execution of the plan within the established timeframe.
The 2024 spring draft included 150,000 people, while the autumn one counted 133,000. The increase in numbers has continued since 2022 amid the conflict in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defense explains the rise in conscription numbers by the need to replenish resources and maintain the army’s combat readiness.
Earlier it was reported that Donald Trump threatened Russia with tariffs if the war in Ukraine continues, and Iran with bombing if no nuclear agreement is reached.