Russia’s Military Maneuvers in 2025: A Closer Look at Putin’s Decree
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to implement military maneuvers in 2025, aiming to “improve the combat training of the reservists.” This move comes amid growing concerns about the prolonged war in Ukraine and the increasing strain on Russia’s military resources.
The decree allows for the mobilization of reservists across various age groups: ordinary reserve military personnel up to 50 years, non-commissioned officers up to 60 years, higher officers up to 65 years, and the highest-ranking officers up to 70 years.While such maneuvers are an annual occurrence in Russia, their duration and intensity have significantly increased since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.A Shift in Military Training
Before the war, military exercises in Russia were largely formal, with minimal participation and a nominal fine of 500 rubles (about five euros) for non-compliance. However, since 2022, these exercises have become year-round, reflecting what Artyom klyga, a lawyer for the Russian conscientious objectors’ movement, describes as the “growing exhaustion of the Russian army.”
Klyga explains that these exercises are now a tool to recruit soldiers for the war in Ukraine. “It is easier to force someone to sign a contract through isolation, deception, and even threats,” he says.Reservists who leave these exercises can face judicial consequences, but Klyga notes that leaving the country before a medical examination at the enlistment office remains an option—for now.
Public Reaction and Speculation
The early proclamation of the 2025 maneuvers has sparked widespread discussion on Russian social media. “Do we need a new mobilization?” asked one user on the Vkontakte platform. Another added,”Now,many will abandon the country.” These comments echo the mass exodus of Russian men following the partial mobilization in September 2022.
What Lies Behind the Decree?
Former Moscow Duma member Yevgueny Stupin warns that the decree’s secret regulations could reveal the Russian Defense Ministry’s true objectives. While Russian law prohibits sending conscripts to war after military exercises, Stupin highlights a clause in the decree that allows reservists to serve in the National Guard and the FSB, Russia’s intelligence service.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Age Limits | Reservists up to 50-70 years, depending on rank |
| Fine for Non-Compliance | 30,000 rubles (about 300 euros) |
| Duration of Exercises | Year-round since 2022 |
| Public Reaction | Fears of mobilization and mass emigration |
| Legal Loopholes | Reservists can be assigned to National Guard and FSB |
As Russia continues to navigate the complexities of its military strategy, the 2025 maneuvers raise critical questions about the future of its armed forces and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russian military Dynamics: FSB Involvement, Reservists, and NATO Tensions
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen the Russian military and security forces adapt their strategies, with the FSB (federal Security Service) playing a significant role in border monitoring and direct combat. According to a report by DW, FSB personnel frequently engage in battles with the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk and Belgorod regions. This involvement underscores the blurred lines between Russia’s military and security operations in occupied territories.
Artyom Klyga, a human rights activist, highlights that Russian reservists could be deployed to serve or train with the National Guard or the FSB in these regions or other occupied areas. “The law does not prohibit it, there are no legal obstacles, but we have not yet registered anything similar,” Klyga acknowledges. This raises questions about the potential escalation of reservist involvement in active combat zones.
Meanwhile, the Georgia-based association IDITE LESOM (Walk through the forest), which assists Russian deserters, advises against responding to military call-ups. “It is indeed better to ignore such a call,” the organization states, emphasizing the risks associated with conscription.
Russian Military Advancements and Challenges
Despite claims by Russian authorities that no new mobilization is planned, the Russian army continues to recruit approximately 1,000 voluntary soldiers daily, as reported by TASS. Andrei Kartapolov,a member of the State Duma Defense Committee,asserts that the Russian army is “advancing in dozens of front lines every day.”
Though, Ruslan Leviev, founder of the Conflict Intelligence Team, notes that while the Russian army is making gains in eastern Ukraine, the intensity of these advances is diminishing. Leviev explains that while the army can replenish its ranks with soldiers, it struggles to compensate for the shortage of experienced officers.
Tensions with NATO: Rhetoric vs. Reality
Amidst the ongoing conflict, voices within the State Duma have called for preparations for a potential war against the “collective West.” Alexei Zhuravlyov, first vice president of the State Duma Defense Committee, argues that Russia must replenish its mobilization reserves to prepare for such a scenario, particularly if Western countries intervene directly in the conflict.
However, former Moscow deputy Yevgueni Stupin believes that the current military exercises are not a signal to NATO but rather an effort by President putin to achieve rapid results on the frontlines.”Therefore,it accelerates the recruitment of temporary soldiers,it does not let go to the mobilized soldiers,and also uses the reservists,” Stupin emphasizes.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| FSB Involvement | Engages in battles with Ukrainian forces in kursk and Belgorod regions. |
| Reservist Deployment | Potential for reservists to serve in National Guard or FSB in occupied areas.|
| Military Recruitment | 1,000 voluntary soldiers recruited daily; no new mobilization planned. |
| Advancements | Gains in eastern Ukraine, but intensity of advances is decreasing.|
| NATO Tensions | Calls within State Duma to prepare for potential conflict with the west.|
Conclusion
The evolving dynamics of the Russian military and security forces in Ukraine highlight the complexities of the conflict. From the involvement of the FSB in active combat to the potential deployment of reservists, Russia’s strategies continue to adapt. Simultaneously occurring, rhetoric about a potential war with NATO underscores the heightened tensions, even as experts like Stupin argue that the focus remains on achieving results in Ukraine.For more in-depth analysis on the conflict,visit DW’s coverage of the ongoing developments.
