Russia’s Military Might: Putin Unleashes Ambitious Plan to Boost Forces to 2.4 Million Strong
(Photo by Sergei Guneyev / Pool / AFP)
Russia to Reinforce Military with 180,000 Additional Troops
President Vladimir Putin signs the decree to add 180,000 additional troops to the Russian army, which already has a total of 1,500,000 soldiers.
Russia’s military is set to undergo its third expansion since the start of the war in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin ordering an increase of 180,000 troops by December. This move aims to reinforce the Russian army, bringing the total number of soldiers to 2,389,230 by the end of the year.
The first military expansion occurred just six months after the war began, following significant losses for the Russian army. At the time, the army had approximately 1.15 million soldiers, prompting the Ministry of Defense to recruit an additional 137,000 troops. Last December, Putin increased the army’s size again, targeting a total of 2.2 million personnel, including 1.33 million soldiers ready to serve.
The Ministry of Defense in Moscow has yet to respond to the new figures proposed by the Kremlin. However, the agency has previously ensured that additional staff and volunteer requirements would be included. In September 2022, Putin faced several defeats in the war, leading him to order the mobilization of soldiers. This move sparked discontent in Russia, causing many young men to flee or desert.
Russia’s war with Ukraine has now surpassed two and a half years, with Moscow yet to achieve its stated war aims. Despite this, the Kremlin continues to deny negotiations with Kiev, citing Ukrainian troops’ encroachment on Russian territory.
Key Facts:
- Russia’s military is set to expand by 180,000 troops by December.
- The total number of soldiers is expected to reach 2,389,230 by the end of the year.
- This is the third military expansion since the start of the war in Ukraine.
- Russia’s war with Ukraine has lasted over two and a half years, with no end in sight.