Putin Orders Expansion of Russian Military by 180,000 Troops Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced another significant expansion of the country's military forces, ordering an increase of 180,000 troops, which will raise the total number of active servicemen to 1.5 million. This is the third such expansion since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The decree, which will take effect in December 2024, underscores the ongoing strain of the war on Russia’s military resources and signals Putin’s determination to bolster Russia's combat capabilities. The overall military personnel in Russia is expected to reach nearly 2.4 million, making it one of the largest military forces in the world.
This decision comes at a time of escalating tensions, following Ukraine’s successful counterattacks in regions like Kursk and Donbas. Ukrainian forces have made significant advances, including a surprise incursion into Russian territory—the first such event since World War II. Despite Russia’s efforts to regain control in these regions, Ukraine's military continues to challenge Russian forces on multiple fronts. This latest recruitment drive appears to be part of a larger strategy to counter these setbacks.
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The new troop increase follows a previous order in December 2023 when 170,000 troops were added. This was itself preceded by an expansion of 137,000 in August 2022. Putin has also mobilized military reservists and conscripts, including a partial mobilization that caused mass protests and prompted thousands of Russians to flee the country. This broad mobilization effort has put pressure on many of Russia’s minority regions, which have borne the brunt of conscription drives.
Casualty figures remain a controversial issue, with Russia officially reporting far lower numbers than Western intelligence estimates. Ukraine’s military suggests Russia may have lost over 600,000 troops in the conflict. These high casualty rates have been cited as a driving force behind Russia’s recurring need to replenish its forces.
Putin’s decision to further boost the military is also seen as a response to growing Western support for Ukraine, including the supply of advanced weapons systems that could strike deeper into Russian territory. With no end in sight for the conflict, this increase signals Russia’s intent to maintain its military presence in Ukraine, despite the heavy toll on its forces and population.
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