Putin Expands Russian Military to 1.5 Million Active Troops
Russian President orders third army expansion since Ukraine invasion. Armed forces to reach 2.38 million personnel, with focus on voluntary recruitment rather than new mobilization.
In a significant development, Vladimir Putin has issued a decree to increase the size of the Russian military. This marks the third such expansion since Russia's military actions in Ukraine began in February 2022, now 2 years and 7 months ago.
The new decree, published on the Kremlin's official website, outlines an increase of 180,000 troops, bringing the total number of active servicemen to 1.5 million. This adjustment will result in the overall size of the Russian armed forces reaching 2.38 million personnel.
This latest expansion follows two previous increases ordered by Putin since the start of the Ukraine conflict. These earlier orders added 137,000 and 170,000 troops respectively. It's worth noting that Russia already boasts the world's fifth-largest military in terms of active-duty personnel and maintains the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons globally.
In late 2022, Russia conducted a mobilization effort that brought in over 300,000 soldiers. This move prompted a significant exodus of draft-age men from the country. However, Kremlin officials have stated that no new mobilization is currently planned. Instead, the focus appears to be on voluntary recruitment, with individuals being offered lucrative contracts to serve in Ukraine.
The Russian military has undergone substantial reforms and modernization since 2008. It comprises Ground Forces, Navy, and Aerospace Forces, and has been developing advanced weapons systems, including hypersonic missiles. The country's military budget ranks fourth globally as of 2023, reflecting its continued emphasis on military capabilities.
Russia's armed forces, formed in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, have been involved in several conflicts since their inception. These include interventions in Georgia, Syria, and most recently, Ukraine. The military's doctrine emphasizes the concept of "near abroad" in its strategic thinking, which has influenced its operations in neighboring countries.
"The idea is to continue to rely on volunteers signing up to fight in Ukraine on lucrative contracts."
It's important to note that while Russia continues to expand its military, it has faced international criticism. The Russian armed forces have been accused of human rights violations in various conflicts, and their actions in Ukraine have led to widespread condemnation and economic sanctions from many countries.
As tensions persist, Russia's military expansion raises questions about regional stability and the potential for further escalation in ongoing conflicts. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, as they have significant implications for global security dynamics.
