Putin’s decree brings the total number of Russian military personnel to about 2.2 million, with 1.32 million troops, as tensions escalate in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree to increase the number of troops in the country by nearly 170,000, bringing the total to 1.32 million. This move comes as Moscow’s military action in Ukraine enters its 22nd month. The expansion of the army is the second since 2018 and is seen as a response to the perceived aggression of NATO and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that the increase will occur gradually through the recruitment of more volunteers, citing the “special military operation” in Ukraine and the expansion of NATO as reasons for bolstering the army.
Putin’s Response to NATO’s Buildup
The Russian Defense Ministry justifies the increase in troops as a necessary response to the “aggressive activities of the NATO bloc.” According to the ministry, NATO’s joint armed forces are being built up near Russia’s borders, additional air defense systems and strike weapons are being deployed, and the potential of NATO’s tactical nuclear forces is being increased. The ministry argues that boosting Russian troops is a suitable measure to counterbalance these perceived threats.
Changing Calculus and Shattered Hopes
The Kremlin previously considered the size of its military sufficient, but the calculus changed after hopes for a quick victory over Ukraine were shattered by fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated last December that a force of 1.5 million was needed to ensure Russia’s security, without specifying when the military would reach that size. The ongoing conflict has prompted a reassessment of Russia’s military capabilities and the need for a larger force.
Secrecy Surrounding Casualties
Both Russia and Ukraine have maintained secrecy regarding their military casualties. The Russian military has officially confirmed just over 6,000 military casualties, while the West estimates much higher numbers. In October, the U.K. Defense Ministry tweeted that Russia had “likely suffered 150,000-190,000 permanent casualties,” including killed and permanently wounded troops. The lack of transparency surrounding casualties adds to the complexity of the conflict and the toll it has taken on both sides.
Efforts to Boost the Army
The Russian authorities have undertaken various efforts to strengthen the army. In August 2022, Putin ordered an increase in the military’s size to 1.15 million, effective from January 1, 2023. He also mobilized 300,000 reservists to reinforce forces in Ukraine. Regional authorities have formed volunteer battalions, and a campaign to entice more men to enlist has been launched, offering cash bonuses and amnesty to prisoners in exchange for military duty. These efforts supplement the regular draft, which calls up around 120,000-140,000 men twice a year for compulsory service.
Conscription and Recruitment Challenges
All Russian men between the ages of 18 and 27 are required to serve one year in the military, but many avoid the draft for health reasons or deferments granted to university students. Efforts to increase recruitment have been particularly focused on major cities, where the share of men avoiding the draft is significant. The authorities have raised the upper age limit for mandatory service to 30, and draftees are rounded up twice a year. Putin has ordered the drafting of 130,000 conscripts during the fall and 147,000 in the spring.
Conclusion: As tensions escalate in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a significant increase in military troops. The expansion of the army is seen as a response to perceived aggression from NATO and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry justifies the increase as necessary to counterbalance NATO’s buildup near Russia’s borders. The secrecy surrounding casualties adds to the complexity of the conflict, while efforts to boost the army through recruitment campaigns and volunteer battalions highlight the challenges Russia faces in maintaining its military strength. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to shape Russia’s military strategy and its relationship with the international community.
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