Kathrine Frich
With no end in sight to the war in Ukraine, the need for manpower continues to grow.
With no end in sight to the war in Ukraine, the need for manpower continues to grow.
Putin signs off on largest recruitment drive since 2016
Russia has launched its autumn military recruitment campaign, with President Vladimir Putin approving the enlistment of 135,000 new conscripts.
This marks the biggest seasonal intake since 2016, when 152,000 troops were called up.
The move shows the growing strain on Russian manpower as the war in Ukraine drags on.
War’s cost in weapons and lives continues to rise
The conflict has showcased modern warfare’s most advanced tools, from cutting-edge drones to high-precision artillery.
But it’s also a grinding war of attrition. Both sides are burning through resources, and neither appears close to a decisive advantage.
Human losses are finally becoming as crucial as technological ones.
New soldiers will be conscripted from October
Russia’s autumn draft will run from October 1 to December 31.
The target group includes men aged 18 to 30 who are not in the reserves and are eligible for conscription.
The timing of the campaign suggests Moscow is preparing for prolonged operations over the winter months.
Military service term ends for others
While new conscripts join, others will be released.
The decree also orders the demobilization of soldiers whose mandatory service has ended.
This includes conscripts, sailors, sergeants, and non-commissioned officers.
The cycle of drafting and releasing keeps Russia’s military rotating but under pressure.
RBC-Ukraine reports on key details
According to the Ukrainian outlet RBC-Ukraine:
“Russian citizens aged 18 to 30, who are not reservists and subject to conscription, will be called up for military service.”
The report says that while this is routine on paper, the scale of this draft is not.
New recruitment rules come into force in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Russia will overhaul its recruitment system.
Instead of two set campaigns per year, the army will accept recruits on a rolling basis.
However, new soldiers will only be allowed to report for duty during two windows: April 1 to July 15, and October 1 to December 31.
Military reform amid grinding war
This shift in recruitment strategy suggests long-term planning by the Kremlin.
It reflects not just tactical needs on the front, but also broader efforts to stabilise and professionalise the Russian army.
A system based on flexibility may help smooth troop rotations over time.
135,000 conscripts reflect a shifting war
With no end in sight to the war in Ukraine, the need for manpower continues to grow.
This new round of conscription doesn’t just replenish numbers, it sends a message that Russia is prepared to sustain its campaign indefinitely, even if the cost is steep in lives and morale.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
