Putin Increases Russian Military Personnel by 15%

The move, citing threats from NATO and the ongoing war in Ukraine, will add 170,000 troops, bringing the total to 1.32 million.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the number of Russian military personnel by 15%, or 170,000 troops, bringing the total to 1.32 million.
The Russian Defence Ministry states the increase is in response to 'growing threats' from NATO's expansion and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The increase will be implemented gradually through a recruitment drive, with no plans for a significant increase in conscription or a new wave of mobilisation.
This is the second such expansion since 2018, the previous increase by 137,000 troops was ordered by Putin in August 2022.
The move comes as the war in Ukraine enters its 22nd month, with both sides suffering heavy losses and no significant gains on the battlefield.