PUTIN ORDERS 261,000-MAN CONSCRIPTION IN 2026 Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree mandating military conscription in 2026. The order calls for the recruitment of 261,000 citizens aged 18 to 30 between January and December 31, excluding those already in reserve. Conscripts will be deployed to their assigned units during two periods: April 1 to July 15, and October 1 to December 31.(*Walter Bloomberg)