On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree mandating a significant surge in the country’s military strength, adding nearly 170,000 troops and bringing the total to 1.32 million. This move comes as Moscow’s military engagement in Ukraine extends into its 22nd month.
The Kremlin released Putin’s directive, effective immediately, elevating the overall number of Russian military personnel to approximately 2.2 million, with 1.32 million being troops. Notably, this marks the second expansion since 2018. The previous increase, ordered in August 2022, added 137,000 troops, bringing the military’s size to about 2 million personnel, including approximately 1.15 million troops.
The Defense Ministry clarified that this latest order does not indicate a substantial conscription expansion but rather a gradual increase through the recruitment of more volunteers. The ministry attributed this move to the ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine and the perceived expansion of NATO.
Citing NATO’s bolstering of armed forces near Russia’s borders, along with the deployment of additional air defense systems and strike weapons, the ministry justified the augmentation of Russian troops as a response to the “aggressive activities of the NATO bloc.” Russian President Vladimir
In December of the previous year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu asserted the need for a force of 1.5 million to ensure Russia’s security. The timing for reaching this military size was not specified.
The Kremlin’s perspective on the adequacy of its military strength shifted after facing unexpected resilience from Ukraine, dispelling hopes for a swift victory over the neighboring country.
Concerns about military casualties persist, with both Russia and Ukraine maintaining secrecy. While the Russian military officially acknowledged just over 6,000 casualties, Western estimates, such as the UK Defense Ministry’s, suggest a much higher figure of “likely 150,000-190,000 permanent casualties.”
Previous efforts to bolster the Russian army include Putin’s orders in August 2022 for an increase to 1.15 million military personnel starting January 1, 2023, and the subsequent mobilization of 300,000 reservists the following month. Putin’s mobilization decree remains open-ended, allowing for additional reservist call-ups when deemed necessary, while also preventing volunteer soldiers from terminating their contracts.