Putin Orders Expansion of Russian Army Amid Ukraine Conflict

President Vladimir Putin has mandated an increase of 180,000 troops to the Russian army, aiming for a total of 1.5 million soldiers. This marks the third expansion since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. The decree also stipulates an overall armed forces size of 2.38 million.

President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a significant expansion of the Russian army, ordering an increase of 180,000 troops, bringing the total number of soldiers to 1.5 million. This marks the third expansion since Russia's military intervention in Ukraine began in February 2022.

According to a decree published on the Kremlin's website, the overall size of Russia's armed forces is to be raised to 2.38 million people, of which 1.5 million will be active servicemen. Previously, Putin had ordered increases of 137,000 and 170,000 combat troops since 2022.

Earlier, Russia mobilized over 300,000 soldiers in September and October of 2022, a move that led tens of thousands of draft-age men to flee the country. Despite this, the Kremlin has stated that there are no plans for further mobilization, opting instead to rely on volunteers signing up for lucrative contracts to fight in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)