Vladimir Putin Is Enlisting Over 130,000 Army Recruits: What To Know

Russian President Vladimir Putin is enlisting over 130,000 new army recruits, although the defense ministry claims this move is unrelated to the war in Ukraine.

Putin signed a mandate Thursday that will include 134,500 recruits aged 18 to 27 for the military as part of Russia's annual spring draft.

“Most military personnel will undergo professional training in training centers for three to five months,” Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, as reported by Reuters. “Let me emphasize that recruits will not be sent to any hot spots."

At the beginning of this month, Putin said that Russia will not use any conscripted soldiers in Ukraine.

"I emphasize that conscript soldiers are not participating in hostilities and will not participate in them," he said.

The defense ministry's comments evidently contradict the Russian president’s remarks.

Russian officials said Tuesday that it will ease attacks in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv amid peace negotiations.

“A decision was made to radically, at times, reduce military activity in the Kiev and Chernigov direction," Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said, emphasizing a desire to build “mutual trust” with Ukraine following its five-week invasion of its neighbor.

Earlier this month, the U.S. government has formally accused Russia of being responsible for war crimes, as President Joe Biden referred to Putin as a “war criminal,” calling his actions “atrocities” and “an outrage to the world.”