Russia Expands Military Amid Ukraine Conflict: Putin Orders 170,000 New Troops
A decree orders the expansion of Russia's armed forces by nearly 170,000, bringing the total number of troops to 1.32 million.
Russian armed forces take part in the 'Indestructible Brotherhood 2023' joint military drills by the Collective Rapid Response Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) member states, at the Edelweiss training area in Balykchi, some 200 km from Bishkek on October 11, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a decisive move by the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a significant increase to the nation’s military personnel amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. A decree released on Friday, which took immediate effect, mandates the expansion of Russian military forces by nearly 170,000, resulting in a total troop count of 1.32 million soldiers.
Addressing participants of the 2nd National Healthcare Congress via video at the Kremlin, President Putin’s decree was made public, signaling a substantial shift in military policy as the engagement in Ukraine extends into its 22nd month. This order marks the second major expansion since 2018 and comes after a previous augmentation last year, which saw an increase of 137,000 troops.
The Russian Defense Ministry has clarified that this increase will be primarily achieved through the recruitment of volunteers rather than a broadening of the conscription program. This strategy is seen as a response to what the ministry describes as “the special military operation” in Ukraine and to counter the perceived growth of NATO forces near Russian borders.
Justifications for military expansion
NATO’s recent activities, including the build-up of joint armed forces close to Russian territory, the deployment of additional defense systems, and an enhancement of tactical nuclear capabilities, were cited as justification for the bolstering of Russian military ranks. This move, according to the Defense Ministry, is an appropriate counteraction to “the aggressive activities of the NATO bloc.”
Last year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated the need for a 1.5 million-strong military to ensure national security, although no timeline was provided for reaching this target. The push for a larger military comes as Russia’s initial expectations for a swift victory in Ukraine were met with robust resistance from Ukrainian forces.
The Russian government maintains secrecy over military casualties, with official figures significantly lower than Western estimates. Efforts to strengthen the armed forces have been ongoing, including the 2022 mobilization of 300,000 reservists and active recruitment campaigns across the country.
The escalating nature of the military operation in Ukraine,
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, announced that over 452,000 men have joined the army as contract soldiers this year, amidst reports of inducements for enlistment, including financial incentives and amnesty offers to prisoners.
These measures are in addition to the routine conscription drafts that occur biannually, aiming to enlist between 120,000 to 140,000 men for one-year terms. With the amendment of the upper age limit for mandatory service to 30 years, the Kremlin continues to reinforce its military capabilities as the conflict persists.
As global scrutiny of Russia’s military actions intensifies, this latest order by President Putin underscores the enduring and escalating nature of the military operation in Ukraine, with implications that resonate beyond the immediate region.
Source: AP News
