Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the possibility of a major war returning to Europe seemed unlikely to many, including Kyiv.

Now, more than two years later, the idea of conscription is making a significant comeback.

Several European nations have reintroduced or expanded compulsory military service in response to Moscow’s increasing threat.

This move is part of a broader effort to bolster defenses, which is expected to intensify further, CNN has reported.

The risk of a larger war in Europe has risen since Russian President Vladimir Putin openly pursued his goal of “recreating the Soviet empire” through conflict in Ukraine, said retired Gen. Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Clark emphasized that the current war in Europe was once unimaginable and stressed the urgent need for NATO to rebuild its defenses, including through conscription.

Written by B.C. Begley