- Russia announces its largest conscription campaign since 2011, drafting 160,000 men.
- Trump expresses frustration over Putin’s remarks on Zelensky, hinting at oil tariffs.
- Germany warns the U.S. against falling for Russia’s “stalling tactics” in peace talks.
Putin’s decision to draft 160,000 men into military service reflects a significant escalation in Russia’s war efforts. The Kremlin has made conscription easier by tightening laws against draft evasion and offering financial incentives.
Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and the U.S. are rising as Trump reacts angrily to Putin’s criticism of Zelensky. The former president has floated the idea of imposing secondary tariffs on Russian oil buyers, which could further strain global trade.
Russia’s War Effort Intensifies as Putin Orders Massive Conscription
Putin’s latest conscription decree signals a shift in Russia’s military strategy, with 160,000 men being drafted between April and June. This is the largest recruitment drive in 14 years, highlighting the ongoing strain on Russia’s forces in Ukraine. While these conscripts are not typically sent to frontline combat, the move underscores the Kremlin’s need to replenish its military ranks.
Unlike the controversial 2022 mobilization, which triggered mass Russian emigration, this conscription process is structured as routine. However, recent changes in Russian law have made it harder to evade military service, ensuring that more young men are drawn into the system. The Kremlin has also relied on financial incentives, pardon deals, and contract soldiers to maintain its war efforts without another politically risky mass mobilization.
Trump’s reaction to Putin’s remarks about Zelensky shows increasing friction between the U.S. and Russia. His proposed secondary tariffs on Russian oil buyers could escalate economic pressure on Moscow, though enforcing such measures would be challenging. Countries like China and India remain major purchasers of Russian oil, making broad sanctions difficult to implement without global coordination.
Germany has warned Western allies that Putin’s outreach should not be mistaken for genuine diplomatic intent. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has cautioned that Russia’s engagement with the U.S. could be a delay tactic while bolstering its military. This perspective aligns with past Kremlin strategies of negotiating while simultaneously preparing for prolonged warfare.
Putin’s massive draft, combined with geopolitical tensions, indicates that the Ukraine war is far from over. With new recruitment measures in place and global leaders at odds over their response, the next few months will be critical in shaping the conflict’s trajectory.
“Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” — Sun Tzu
