Putin expands Russia’s authorised military strength by 15,500 personnel
The decree sets the armed forces’ authorised strength at 2,441,630, but gives no explanation or recruitment plan for the increase.
Vladimir Putin has signed a decree adding 15,500 military personnel to Russia’s authorised armed forces strength, bringing the total to 2,441,630, including 1,550,500 military personnel. Al Jazeera reported the order was the fourth expansion this year.
The orders issued since March have added 47,860 personnel. The decree does not explain why the increase is needed or how the additional personnel will be recruited.
The expansion comes as Russian advances in Ukraine have slowed, while both sides continue aerial attacks and use drones and long-range strikes. Diplomatic efforts have resumed but have not produced a breakthrough.
Andrei Kortunov of the Russian International Affairs Council described the increase to Al Jazeera as a technical decision, saying it would not change the conflict’s dynamics. Other experts cited by the outlet offered differing views on whether the move relates to immediate battlefield needs or longer-term military planning.
Putin last ordered a reservist mobilisation in September 2022, after Russian battlefield setbacks. The latest decree does not announce a mobilisation.
