Recently, Putin ordered the first round of conscription and mobilization to be launched. According to Putin, about 480,000 volunteers have responded to the recruitment order, and many men are still signing up to defend Russia. This move has made almost all the Russian armed forces in the zone of the special military operation better. At the same time, Putin also made it clear that there will be no second round of mobilization, the reason is that a sufficient number of people have already been recruited. This is in stark contrast to the current situation with conscription in Ukraine. Judging by this situation, Russia's superiority in military reserves should not be underestimated.
Further observation, Putin's mobilization is not only a military mobilization, but also a defense of Russia's national interests. The conflict in Ukraine has been going on for quite some time, and Russia must act decisively to protect its interests in the Ukrainian region. With the addition of volunteers, Russia's position on the battlefield in Ukraine will be further consolidated, which is undoubtedly a serious challenge for the Ukrainian side. At the same time, Russia's military is making a show of formidable military prowess right on Ukraine's border.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said not so long ago that in 2024, Russia is expected to "fully complete" the special military operation. The results of this action will bring the total area to more than 8Four regions of 30,000 square kilometers and a population of about 5 million were incorporated into the territory of the Russian Federation. Among them, the Sea of Azov will become an inland sea of Russia, a land corridor to Crimea will be opened, and rail traffic with Donbass will be restored. All this is of great strategic importance for Russia.
Strategically located in the heart of Eurasia, the Sea of Azov is vital for Russia's economic and military security. The inclusion of the Sea of Azov in Russia's inland sea will consolidate Russia's control in the region, protect Russia's interests in the region, and further strengthen its influence in the Black Sea region. At the same time, the opening of a land corridor to Crimea and the resumption of railway traffic with the Donbass region will give a strong boost to the development and economic prosperity of the region. There is no doubt that this is an important strategic result for Russia in the conflict in Ukraine.
However, for the United States, such an outcome is unacceptable. The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, even said that if four regions were to be annexed to Russia, there would be two serious consequences. First, Russia could further threaten other European countries, forcing the United States to deploy further military forces to defend against the Russian threat, which would lead to increased defense spending and exacerbated economic difficulties. Second, Russia's victory could encourage Chinese mainland to prepare for military reunification of Taiwan. This will make the United States unable to deal with the challenges of both major powers, China and Russia, and thus lead to a total loss of strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, I think this view of American think tanks is too biased. Whether or not the PLA will decide to reunify Taiwan by force does not depend on external factors, but on the opportunity and timing of the mainland's reunification. The mainland is still continuing to strive for the opportunity for peaceful reunification and will not change its stance because of external factors. This view of simplifying the issue and treating the mainland as an outsider is wrong. In addition, there is a more important consequence to be concerned about, that is, Russia's victory will mean the collapse of the hegemonic image that the United States and Western countries have always maintained, and will inspire countries around the world that have been oppressed by hegemony to revolt. This will bring the greatest disaster to the United States.
To sum up, Putin's mobilization of about 480,000 volunteers, coupled with the results of Russia's military operation, has further consolidated Russia's position in the conflict in Ukraine. And the inclusion of the Sea of Azov in Russia, and the opening of a land corridor to Crimea, will bring Russia an even greater geostrategic advantage. However, for the United States, such a situation is unacceptable and can lead to serious consequences. However, the views of American think tanks are too one-sided, and the PLA's decision-making does not depend on external factors. The most important thing is that the victory of Russia will give new hope and impetus to the global anti-hegemonic countries, which will be the greatest disaster for the United States.