President Putin has ordered the conscription of an additional 160,000 Russians to serve in the military, targeting ages 18 to 30, amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine claims Russia is preparing for a new offensive while delaying peace talks. The article discusses military casualties and training improvements in Ukraine, along with international reactions to the situation, including commentary from U.S. President Trump.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated the conscription of an additional 160,000 citizens for military service. This order, which targets men aged 18 to 30, is set to commence on April 1 and conclude by July 15. This decision arises during ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which are being facilitated by the United States, according to reports from News.Az and Politico.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has alleged that Russia is prolonging the peace talks as it prepares for a substantial offensive aimed at seizing more Ukrainian territory. He asserted, “According to our intelligence, Russia is preparing for new offensives in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions.” Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia seeks to negotiate from a position of strength by delaying discussions and attempting to engage the United States in protracted negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his frustration regarding Putin’s intentions to remove Zelenskyy from power for a peace treaty to materialize. Nevertheless, he conveyed optimism that the Russian leader would ultimately honor commitments aimed at concluding the conflict. Additionally, some conscripts are expected to conclude their military service.
Independent Russian journalists have verified the deaths of over 100,000 Russian soldiers since the onset of the invasion, while Kyiv estimates total Russian casualties nearing one million. Conversely, Ukraine has suffered more than 46,000 troop losses with 380,000 injuries reported by Zelenskyy in February. Recent improvements in military training have reportedly decreased the Ukrainian armed forces’ losses.
Ukrainian Army Chief Commander General Oleksandr Syrskyi noted enhancements in military training protocols, stating, “We have modernized [the] basic military training course and increased its duration to 1.5 months.” He indicated that such changes have yielded positive outcomes, contributing to a reduction in losses.
Meanwhile, President Putin remains resolute, asserting that the Russian forces “will finish” the Ukrainian military, underscoring the ongoing volatility in the conflict.
This article underscores the escalating military efforts by Russia, including the call for additional conscription amidst ongoing peace negotiations. While Ukrainian leadership remains skeptical of Russia’s intentions, U.S. officials express cautious optimism regarding a potential end to the conflict. The situation continues to evolve, with casualties mounting on both sides and efforts to reform military training reflected in Ukraine. As both nations navigate the complexities of war and diplomacy, the international community watches closely, with significant ramifications for regional stability and global security.
Original Source: news.az
