Ukraine War: European Nations Turn to Conscription as Threat of Wider War with Russia Grows
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with reports of heavy fighting and civilian casualties, several European nations are taking steps to prepare for the possibility of a wider war with Russia. In recent weeks, several countries have announced plans to reintroduce conscription, a move aimed at bolstering their military forces and increasing their readiness to respond to any potential threats.
The decision to reintroduce conscription comes as tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to widespread condemnation and economic sanctions, but Moscow has shown no signs of backing down. In recent weeks, there have been reports of Russian troops massing on the border with Ukraine, sparking fears of a potential wider conflict.
Among the countries that have announced plans to reintroduce conscription are Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia. All three countries have a history of conscription, but the practice was abolished in the 1990s as they transitioned to professional armies.
Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine, has announced plans to reintroduce conscription for men aged 21 to 27. The country’s defense minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, has said that the move is necessary to increase the country’s military readiness and to prepare for the possibility of a wider conflict.
Lithuania, another Baltic state that borders Russia, has also announced plans to reintroduce conscription. The country’s defense minister, Arvydas Anušauskas, has said that the move is necessary to increase the country’s military capabilities and to deter potential aggression from Russia.
Estonia, which is also a member of the NATO alliance, has announced plans to reintroduce conscription for men aged 18 to 27. The country’s defense minister, Kalle Laanet, has said that the move is necessary to increase the country’s military readiness and to prepare for the possibility of a wider conflict.
Other European countries, including Germany and France, have also announced plans to increase their military spending and to increase the size of their armed forces. Germany has announced plans to increase its military spending by 10% in 2023, while France has announced plans to increase its military spending by 15%.
The decision to reintroduce conscription is a significant one, as it marks a shift away from the all-volunteer armies that have been the norm in Europe for decades. However, many experts believe that the move is necessary to increase the military readiness of European countries and to prepare for the possibility of a wider conflict.
"Conscription is a necessary step to increase the military readiness of European countries," said Professor James Goldsborough, a military expert at the University of Oxford. "With the threat of a wider conflict with Russia growing, it is essential that European countries have a strong and capable military force to defend themselves."
The decision to reintroduce conscription is also seen as a way to increase public support for the military. In many European countries, the military has traditionally been seen as a professional force, and the idea of conscription may be seen as a step backwards.
However, many experts believe that the move will increase public support for the military and will help to boost morale among military personnel. "Conscription will increase public support for the military and will help to boost morale among military personnel," said Colonel Michael Clarke, a military expert at the Royal United Services Institute. "It will also provide a sense of national service and will help to increase the sense of shared responsibility for national defense."
In conclusion, the decision to reintroduce conscription in several European countries is a significant one, and marks a shift away from the all-volunteer armies that have been the norm in Europe for decades. While the move may be seen as a step backwards by some, many experts believe that it is necessary to increase the military readiness of European countries and to prepare for the possibility of a wider conflict with Russia.
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/07/21/europe/europe-conscription-war-russia-intl