Russian President Vladimir Putin backed the defense minister’s proposal to increase the size of the Russian military by more than 30 percent, stressing that Moscow needs to “learn” and “fix” the problems facing Ukraine. At the same time, he urged all sides not to blame Russia for starting the war. I always see Ukrainians as “brothers”.
During a meeting of senior military officers at the end of the year yesterday (Dec. 21), Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu It was proposed to increase the number of personnel in the Russian army from 1.15 million to 1.5 million. “To ensure that military security issues are resolved.”
He also said that the 695,000 front-line troops are supposed to be “professional contract troops,” not reservists.
Last summer, Putin signed a decree increasing the number of soldiers in the Russian army by 137,000 to 1.15 million from January. More than 300,000 soldiers went to war in Ukraine.
US and Western military analysts estimate that Russia has already lost troops. “Tens of thousands” of war attack on Ukraine over the last 10 months. Moscow has confirmed its latest official death toll of 5,937 soldiers on 21 September.
Shoigu has also proposed raising the conscription age for Russian men from the current 18 to 27 to 21 to 30, although he and Putin have repeatedly said the recruits are not being sent to fight in Ukraine
The Russian leader said that he “agrees” with Shoigu’s proposal and insisted that the government “There is no budgetary restriction” that can be used for the acquisition of weapons of war.
“We have no budget constraints. The country and the government are ready to provide everything the army asks,” Putin said.
He once again admitted that the September order calling for 300,000 reserves “did not go as smoothly as expected.”
“Some movements have caused some problems as you all know. and needs to be addressed appropriately.”
Putin reiterated that he “never regrets” ordering the Russian army to launch a special military operation in Ukraine. and claims that Russia “has no choice” but to stand up against Western aggression.
Putin said he would always consider Ukrainians as “brothers” even though the war with Russia has left tens of thousands of Ukrainians dead. and millions more must become war refugees
“Of course, what happened was a tragedy. And it is a common tragedy between us. But it is not the result of Russian policy.” Putin said
“opposite… This is a result of the policies of other countries. The third group of countries, which have always tried to plan for such an event and want to make the world of people of Russian descent share among themselves That yes, they’ve had some success too. and forced us to walk to this point.”
source: Reuters
