Putin increases the number of Russian armed forces to 2.44 million
Quick Look
- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the authorized number of military personnel in the armed forces to 2.44 million, an increase of 15,500 units.
- It's the fourth such increase in 2024, bringing the cumulative increase since March to 47,860 troops, as Russian advances slow in the face of Ukraine's massive use of drones.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in an armed conflict since February 2022. Putin had already increased military personnel in March, June and July 2024. Ukraine accuses Russia of preparing a new mobilization, which Moscow denies as “disinformation”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday raising the authorized number of military personnel in the armed forces to 15,500, his fourth such decision this year. Putin's order comes as both Russia and Ukraine suffer mounting losses in a war in Ukraine that has lasted more than four and a half years.
The decree gives no reason for this increase and does not specify how these new positions will be filled. “The authorized personnel strength of the Russian armed forces is set at 2,441,630 units, including 1,550,500 military personnel,” the decree states.
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The last mobilization of reservists dates from 2022
President Putin had already signed documents increasing the strength of the army last March, June and July. The cumulative increase since March amounts to 47,860 soldiers. Russian advances on the battlefield have slowed this year, with the widespread use of drones on the front making rapid, massive troop movements almost impossible.
Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of preparing a new military mobilization, which Vladimir Putin has called Ukrainian “disinformation”. Vladimir Putin last ordered a mobilization of reservists in 2022, after a series of Russian military setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russia could announce further troop increases by the end of 2024
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How will the 15,500 new positions be filled?
- Will this increase lead to a new mobilization of reservists?
- What impact will this increase in troops have on current military operations?
