Putin has recruited 300,000 soldiers since January, and there is speculation about an attack on NATO

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) points out that between January and mid-September, up to 292,000 new soldiers enlisted in the Russian armed forces.

According to GB News, many of them are earmarked for strategic reserves that Moscow has been quietly building up since July. The decline in losses on the front lines also enabled the Russian Ministry of Defense to increase its armed forces. Part of the strategy is reportedly also to intensify the recruitment of young people through patriotic programs.

The ISW claims that the Kremlin has no intention of ending the war in Ukraine, but is continuing to prepare for a larger conflict, including a possible confrontation with NATO. The UK has announced that it is prepared to respond in the event of an escalation.

(mja)