Russia plans to increase army size by 15% to reach 132 million troops
Russia to expand army by 15% to 132 million troops in response to evolving security challenges, strengthening national defense and ensuring regional stability
Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated a 170,000 troop increase in the country's military, as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine approaches its 22nd month. With this directive, the total number of Russian military personnel will exceed 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops, as stated in the decree released by the Kremlin on Friday.
Russia's defense ministry stated that the decision to increase defense spending was a response to the "increasing threats to our nation," such as the conflict in Ukraine and NATO's ongoing expansion. The ministry plans to gradually implement the increase through recruitment efforts, with no intention of conscription or a new mobilization.
Putins decree marked the second such expansion of the army since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Destruction caused by a Russian attack at one of DTEK's electricity facilities
DTEK
Ukrainian forces are being cautioned by Western officials about the challenges they will face during the upcoming winter, with Russia's intentions to launch new attacks on infrastructure. In August 2022, Putin mandated a surge of 137,000 troops by January 1, 2023, bringing the total military staffing to slightly over 2 million personnel, with 1.15 million troops included.
The following month, Putin issued a decree for the immediate "partial mobilization" of Russian citizens in response to a series of defeats that resulted in criticism in Moscow. This mobilization allowed for the activation of military reservists and the conscription of individuals with military experience.
The announcement of the mobilization sparked angry protests, especially in Russia's ethnic minority regions, and led to hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the country. The mobilization was ultimately halted in November of that year after officials announced that they had successfully recruited 300,000 personnel.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, currently serving as the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, announced on Friday that over 452,000 individuals had been enlisted in Russia's military on a contract basis between January 1 and December 1, 2023.
Putin delivers a speech in Moscow on Victory Day, which marked the 78th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, May 9, 2023.
Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Reuters
The casualty numbers of Russia are still unknown as they are kept secret. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in September 2022, 5,937 troops had been killed in the war, but there has been no further update from the ministry. However, Western intelligence assessments suggest a much higher toll. The United Kingdom defense ministry stated in October that it is probable that Russia has faced between 150,000 and 190,000 permanent casualties, including those killed or permanently wounded, since February 2022.
Russias war in Ukraine is poised to enter its second winter, with heavy losses on both sides and no significant gains on the battlefield.
Ukrainian soldiers from the 67th brigade are seen preparing a grenade launcher at their frontline position facing Kreminna, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on November 15, 2023.
Photograph by Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu/Getty Images
As the war in Ukraine continues, there is a growing need for additional troops. However, not everyone is willing to sign up. Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine's top military commander, explained in an interview with The Economist magazine last month that the war has reached a "stalemate."
He cautioned that without advancements in technology, a significant breakthrough is unlikely, and instead, there will only be a balance of destructive losses and devastation.
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky countered Zaluzhny's analysis, stating to NBC that while the situation is challenging, he does not believe the war has reached a standstill.
Ukraine, which declared martial law in response to Russia's full-scale invasion, is also working to recruit more troops. Earlier this year, the registration rules were updated to allow women to enlist. However, the measures did not go as far as implementing full conscription.
