A significant military expansion is unfolding in Russia as President Vladimir Putin calls for the enlistment of thousands more soldiers.
Metro News reported that Vladimir Putin has ordered the conscription of 133,000 new soldiers, aged 18 to 30, to bolster Russia's military forces.
The move has sparked concerns among parents who fear their untrained children may be deployed to dangerous areas near the Ukrainian border. This apprehension stems from reports of conscripts being sent to "hot" regions close to the war zone, contradicting Putin's earlier assurances that recruits would not be placed in harm's way.
The Russian regime faces growing criticism over its use of conscripts in proximity to the conflict zone. Parents are voicing their fears about the safety of their children, many of whom lack proper military training.
One grieving mother, Elena Shumilova, has publicly challenged Putin's promises. She demanded an explanation for her 18-year-old son's death in the war, accusing the Russian leader of dishonesty regarding the deployment of conscripts.
Shumilova's brave stance highlights the increasing discontent among Russian families affected by the ongoing conflict. Her letter to Putin expressed a loss of respect and questioned the circumstances surrounding her son's death.
This latest conscription order marks an increase from previous recruitment efforts. In the same period last year, Putin called up 130,000 soldiers, while the spring conscription saw 150,000 individuals drafted.
The rising numbers suggest an intensification of Russia's military efforts, possibly in response to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. However, the exact reasons for the increased conscription remain unclear.
In a related development, Norway, which shares a 123-mile border with Russia, is considering the installation of a fence along part or all of this frontier. This potential move mirrors actions taken by Finland in the early months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl expressed interest in the fence project, highlighting its dual purpose of deterrence and enhanced border monitoring. She stated:
A border fence is very interesting, not only because it can act as a deterrent but also because it contains sensors and technology that allow you to detect if people are moving close to the border.
Finland's recent installation of barriers at four Russian border crossings serves as a precedent for Norway's considerations. The Finnish government implemented these measures in response to an increase in migrant crossings, which they believe Moscow orchestrated deliberately.
Finnish officials have accused Russian authorities of intentionally directing migrants to these crossings, viewing it as retaliation for Finland's increased defense cooperation with the United States. This situation underscores the growing tensions in the region and the ripple effects of Russia's actions on neighboring countries.
The conscription of 133,000 new soldiers by Vladimir Putin marks a significant expansion of Russia's military forces. This move has raised concerns among parents about the safety of young conscripts and their potential deployment to dangerous areas near the Ukrainian border. Simultaneously, neighboring countries like Norway are considering enhanced border security measures in response to regional tensions.
