The Russian Armed Forces have announced that the spring mobilization drive will kick off with the first wave of conscripts beginning on April 20. This plan was disclosed by the Chief of the General Staff, Andrei Biryukov, during a briefing with reporters. The rollout is part of a broader effort to refresh the ranks and modernize the force line by line, unit by unit, as the country progresses through a period of intensified recruiting and training.
According to the chief, roughly one third of the incoming recruits will be assigned to training centers and active military units. There, within a three-month period, they will be oriented to contemporary military hardware, tactics, and the specific specialties required to operate with precision. The goal is to produce a cadre that can immediately contribute to unit readiness and sustain operations with newly acquired skills and certifications.
Compulsory military service has already commenced across the nation, with a target draft of about 147 thousand young men. The formal call cycle is scheduled to continue through July 15, aligning with the spring phase of the overall mobilization. This pace allows the forces to manage intake, training throughput, and the distribution of personnel across various service branches in a controlled manner.
In contrast to some public expectations, Rear Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky, a spokesperson for the General Staff, reiterated that not a single conscript will be deployed to active operations zones during the initial stages of the campaign. He emphasized that the immediate focus remains on building capabilities, reinforcing defense readiness, and ensuring proper integration of new personnel into the ranks without exposing them to frontline assignments prematurely.
Historically, the greatest numbers of new entrants are directed toward the Army and Navy formations, where the demand for qualified personnel tends to be highest because of the breadth of responsibilities and the scale of operations involved. This year’s intake follows that pattern, with a substantial portion of the recruits expected to enter these branches while other specialties and support roles also see steady demand.
Overall, the tally of young men enlisting this year is projected to exceed seven hundred thousand, reflecting sustained interest and a strategic emphasis on expanding the pool of available personnel. The authorities have also signaled that, alongside the recruitment drive, there will be an expansion of recruitment points to facilitate contract service as well, inviting qualified candidates who may prefer voluntary service beyond conscription to join at different career stages and with various skill sets. This dual approach aims to balance mandatory service with professional contracts, broadening options for service members and ensuring a continuous talent pipeline across the armed forces. [Source: General Staff communications and official press briefings]