Putin orders largest autumn army call-up since 2016

Vladimir Putin has initiated the largest autumn army conscription since 2016, calling up 135,000 men aged 18-30 for military service from October to December. This move responds to rising casualties along the extensive front line in Ukraine. While conscription does not directly indicate deployment to Ukraine, there are concerns over conscripts being sent to the front.

With over one million Russian troops reported killed or injured, this conscription drive follows a larger military expansion. Ukraine has proposed a joint air defense shield with allies amid concerns of Russian airspace violations. Meanwhile, discussions in the U.S. suggest potential long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine.

In light of these events, UK officials urge for peace talks to end the conflict.