Putin Orders Russian Army to Grow to 1.5 Million, Aiming for Second Largest After China’s – Reuters

By Andrew Osborn

President Vladimir Putin has announced an increase in the regular size of the Russian army by 180,000 troops, bringing the total number of active servicemen to 1.5 million. This decision positions Russia as the second largest military force globally, surpassing both the United States and India.

In a decree released by the Kremlin, Putin specified that the total number of personnel in the armed forces will rise to 2.38 million, with 1.5 million being active. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, this expansion will place Russia behind only China, which currently has over 2 million active military personnel.

This latest move marks the third expansion of military ranks since the onset of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine in February 2022. It aligns with ongoing military operations in eastern Ukraine, where Russian troops are advancing along a 1,000 km (627-mile) frontline and attempting to drive Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region.

Despite its population being more than three times that of Ukraine, and the successful recruitment of volunteers for military contracts, Russia has been experiencing significant battlefield losses, mirroring challenges faced by Ukrainian forces. The exact numbers of casualties for both sides remain undisclosed.

Andrei Kartapolov, chairman of the defense committee in Russia’s lower parliament, indicated that this increase in troop levels is part of a broader strategy to modernize the armed forces in response to changing international dynamics and the actions of other nations. He specifically noted the need for enhanced military structures in north-west Russia due to Finland’s accession to NATO.

Putin’s current directive follows two prior expansions of the military’s combat troops by 137,000 and 170,000. Additionally, in late 2022, over 300,000 soldiers were mobilized, prompting many eligible men to leave the country.

The Kremlin has stated that no further mobilization is planned at this time, instead focusing on encouraging volunteers to enlist for service in Ukraine. However, some military experts express skepticism about whether the government can fund this increase in active personnel effectively.

Dara Massicot, a military expert, questioned the Kremlin’s capacity to manage the associated costs of sustaining and equipping a 1.5 million-strong force. She noted that while various strategies could staff such a large army, they may not be politically palatable for the Kremlin.

Massicot also highlighted the possibility of unpopular decisions, such as expanding the draft or changing laws to allow more women to serve in the military, in order to meet the new personnel goals. She suggested that signs of genuine recruitment efforts would be essential for understanding the intent behind this expansion, which could lead to increased expenses and strains on resources.