Vladimir Putin is desperate to recruit fresh soldiers. The Kremlin isn’t waiting for young men to apply, they’re being snatched off the streets and sent to the front. It’s all part of Russia’s “largest military draft in recent years.”
Putin kidnaps conscripts
It’s clear that Vlad Putin isn’t winding down war efforts simply because U.S. President Donald Trump wants to broker a peace deal with Ukraine.
He’ll keep fighting to the bitter end using any means at his disposal. Fighting fair isn’t as important to him as gaining decisive advantage.
Local Russian media is reporting that “authorities have started detaining young men in Moscow.” They know about “at least five men” who allegedly were “stopped by police in the capital and taken to local stations.”
Apparently, Putin gave his recruiters permission to issue arrest warrants. “Officers presented wanted notices issued by military recruitment offices.”
Another thing that the Russian media is alarmed about is the way Putin is moving at light speed to ship the kids to the front.
“In some cases, the individuals were transferred directly to assembly points.” Most “have not been in contact since their detention.”
No exemptions
According to the report, Putin doesn’t care who gets sent off to fight. “Individuals previously deemed unfit for service” are suddenly considered fit enough.
Chronic illnesses don’t matter to soldiers with a life expectancy of minutes from deployment. Right now, there are no “official exemptions.”
Last month, Putin “signed a decree initiating the spring draft, which aims to conscript 160,000 individuals.”
They’ll hit that figure one way or another. Even if they have to raid the high school and college classrooms. Any male who can hold a rifle is qualified.
The Moscow Times points out that “current recruitment drives are bringing in between 1,000 and 1,500 new contract soldiers daily.” Most of them “coming from economically disadvantaged regions.” Poor people are easier to intimidate.
As noted by Miltarnyi, “in the Ivanovo region, men were being abducted and coerced into signing military contracts.” Putin doesn’t mind a little kidnapping to fill the ranks. “Since the fall of 2024, six individuals have been reported missing. All were described as living in poverty, facing health challenges, and working informal jobs.“
