Putin increases nuclear threats, signalling intense spring offensive preparation

Vladimir Putin has initiated Russia’s largest military draft in nearly a decade, calling up 150,000 men for service, as tensions escalate with Ukraine. This move, interpreted as preparation for a significant spring offensive, comes alongside heightened nuclear threats towards the West. Putin’s decree targets Russian citizens aged 18 to 30 for conscription between April and July, aiming to bolster forces for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In an effort to replenish troops after substantial losses, the Russian government previously extended the maximum age for military service from 27 to 30. Despite promises that draftees would not be deployed to conflict zones, reports and historical precedents suggest otherwise, with many being sent to frontlines or areas under heavy attack like Belgorod and Kursk.

The conscription drive is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Russia’s military capabilities amid a possible spring offensive against Ukraine. This comes at a time when Ukraine faces a critical shortage of weapons and fluctuating support from Western allies. With the draft, Putin also aims to enhance his position against NATO, amid speculations of a broader conflict looming on the horizon.

A leaked military report earlier suggested that Russia might be planning a hybrid attack on NATO territories as early as the following winter, with a potential full-scale war by the summer of 2025. The report indicated Moscow’s intentions to secure a swift victory in Ukraine, followed by aggressive moves against the West.

Moreover, Putin has openly threatened NATO with nuclear retaliation if Ukraine employs F-16 jets, recently approved by the US for Ukrainian use, against Russian forces. Labelling the F-16s as potential nuclear weapon carriers, Putin vowed to target any third-country airfields used to launch these aircraft against Russia.

These developments underline the intensifying geopolitical tension in the region, with Russia’s latest military actions and nuclear posturing signalling a critical juncture in the Ukraine conflict and broader East-West relations.