Russia Expands Armed Forces as Autumn Draft Reaches Record LevelsThis autumn, Russia plans to send 135,000 men to the army, marking the largest draft since 2016. According to General-Colonel Andrey Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defense Committee, the increase stems from a shortfall in the spring draft and the ongoing planned expansion of the armed forces. “The spring draft was supposed to bring in 160,000 conscripts, but fewer were recruited for various reasons. Expansion of the Armed ForcesKartapolov emphasized that the increase is part of a planned process and not linked to the special military operation. “Some increase in conscription numbers is an objective process, not connected with the special military operation,” Kartapolov stated.