Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the conscription of 133,000 new soldiers, raising concerns about the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Metro News, these young men, aged 18 to 30, will be called up between October 1 and December 31, 2024, to bolster Russia's military forces.
The conscription order comes amid growing opposition from Russian parents who fear their untrained sons will be sent directly to the front lines. This latest draft surpasses the previous year's recruitment numbers, signaling an intensification of Russia's military efforts in Ukraine.
Increasing Conscription And Parental Concerns
The number of conscripts in this round exceeds the 130,000 recruited during the same period last year. In the spring of 2024, Putin had already drafted an additional 150,000 soldiers. These figures indicate a steady increase in Russia's military recruitment efforts.
Parents of young Russian men have expressed grave concerns about the fate of their children. Many fear that these newly conscripted soldiers, lacking proper training, will be immediately deployed to dangerous areas near the Ukrainian border. This anxiety is fueled by reports of untrained conscripts being killed in the conflict.
The Russian government faces mounting criticism for its alleged use of conscripts in combat zones, despite earlier promises from Putin that recruits would not be placed in harm's way. This perceived breach of trust has led to growing discontent among Russian families.
Grieving Mother Challenges Putin's Claims
One grieving Russian mother has taken a bold stand against the government's practices. Elena Shumilova, who lost her 18-year-old son Valentin in the war, has publicly challenged Putin's assurances about the safety of conscripts.
Shumilova wrote to Putin:
Explain to me, the mother of a conscript, how did my son die? You shout loudly that conscripts do not fight, but their mothers keep burying them.
Her emotional plea highlights the discrepancy between the government's statements and the reality faced by many Russian families. Shumilova's decision to speak out, despite the risk of arrest, underscores the growing frustration and anger among Russian citizens affected by the war.
Norway Considers Border Fence With Russia
In a related development, Norway has announced that it is considering the construction of a fence along its 123-mile border with Russia. This move mirrors similar actions taken by Finland in the early months of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl explained the potential benefits of such a barrier, citing its deterrent effect and technological capabilities for detecting movement near the border. This consideration reflects the growing unease among Russia's neighbors in light of its aggressive actions in Ukraine.
Finland's recent installation of barriers at four border crossings with Russia serves as a precedent for Norway's deliberations. Finnish officials have accused Russian authorities of deliberately orchestrating an increase in migrant crossings as retaliation for Finland's enhanced defense cooperation with the United States.
Conclusion
Putin's order to conscript 133,000 new soldiers for the Ukraine conflict has intensified concerns about the war's escalation. Russian parents fear for their children's safety as untrained conscripts are allegedly sent to dangerous front-line areas. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like Norway are considering increased border security measures in response to Russia's actions. These developments indicate a complex and evolving situation in Eastern Europe, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations.
