Russia Moves To Year-Round Military Draft, Anticipating Extended Ukraine Fight

Russia's State Duma has approved legislation transitioning the military to year-round conscription to boost troop numbers for its Ukraine operation. Draft boards can now conduct medical and psychological evaluations throughout the year, instead of only during designated periods. Supporters claim the reform will improve conscription quality and ease administrative burdens on recruitment offices. This move suggests the Kremlin anticipates a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, ongoing since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Russia has avoided officially declaring war, referring to the conflict as a "special military operation." Hopes for a peace deal brokered by President Trump have diminished, and a summit with Putin is indefinitely postponed. Putin may be anticipating expanded battlelines due to increased Western weapons support for Ukraine. Russia recruits by offering lucrative contracts, contrasting with Ukraine's controversial recruitment methods. Russia might be demonstrating its ability to endure the war of attrition despite Western sanctions.