Putin Orders Military to Increase Troop Numbers to 1.5 Million Amid Ukraine Conflict

In a significant escalation of military readiness, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to boost the country’s troop strength by 180,000, bringing the total number of military personnel to 1.5 million. This decision comes amid the ongoing military engagement in Ukraine, which has now extended beyond two and a half years.

The decree, which is accessible on the official government website, will be enacted on December 1. Alongside this increase, the total number of Russian military personnel will approach 2.4 million, with the government tasked with securing the necessary budget to support this expansion.

Putin’s last adjustment to troop numbers occurred in December of the previous year, establishing a military personnel count of around 2.2 million, which included approximately 1.32 million active troops.

In recent months, the more competent Russian military units have been actively engaged in an offensive in eastern Ukraine, where they have made slow but consistent progress. As summer unfolded, Putin estimated that close to 700,000 troops were participating in what the Kremlin describes as a “special military operation” in Ukraine.

The military has resorted to increasing numbers through alternative means, including the enlistment of volunteer soldiers attracted by competitive wages. Following a call-up of 300,000 reservists to counter Ukraine’s counteroffensives in late 2022, this change in strategy comes after an observable reluctance by the Kremlin to initiate further reserve mobilizations.

This hesitation stems from fears of domestic upheaval similar to the events of 2022 when many fled Russia to evade combat assignments. Critics of the Kremlin have frequently pointed to a manpower shortage as a critical factor in Ukraine’s recent success, such as its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which began on August 6.

To counteract Ukraine’s advances, the Kremlin has avoided reallocating troops from the eastern front and has instead sought reinforcements from other regions. On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported regaining control over two additional villages in the Kursk area from Ukrainian forces, illustrating ongoing military efforts to stabilize the front lines.

The announcement of this troop increase underscores the Kremlin’s determination to reinforce its military capabilities as the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve. It reflects a broader strategy to manage the ongoing demands of the military engagement and to bolster defenses amid sustained pressure from Ukrainian operations.

As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to assess the implications of these military adjustments for both Russia and Ukraine, as well as for the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.