Russian President Vladimir Putin signs decree to boost military personnel to 1.5 million

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to expand the size of the Russian Armed Forces to 2.39 million personnel, including 1.5 million military servicemen.

The new measure signed on Monday, is set to take effect on December 1, 2024, and marks the third time Putin has increased troop levels since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

This latest decree raises the current staffing level by 180,000 personnel from the previous limit of 2.21 million, which had been in place since December 2023.

The expansion underscores Russia’s ongoing efforts to address its military needs amid continued fighting in Ukraine, where the conflict has been dragging on for more than two years.

The Russian Defense Ministry has attributed the increased personnel levels to rising threats, including NATO’s expansion and challenges posed by the ongoing "special military operation" in Ukraine.

To meet the target, the Kremlin plans to focus on recruiting volunteers for contract-based service, rather than relying on large-scale conscription or mobilization efforts.

Despite these efforts, attracting new recruits has proven difficult, even with financial incentives.

Reports indicate that voluntary enlistment offers of up to 2 million rubles (approximately $22,000) have not generated sufficient interest, leading to concerns that Russia may face challenges in filling its ranks.

Military experts suggest that this increase in troop numbers may reflect deeper issues within Russia’s military strategy.

According to Alexander Kovalenko, a military analyst, the growing reliance on manpower may be due to equipment shortages, pushing Russia to compensate by building a more infantry-heavy force.

This could lead to an army that is less equipped with modern technology and increasingly reliant on foot soldiers in combat situations.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has repeatedly increased troop numbers to address battlefield demands.

In August 2022, the military staffing level was boosted for the first time, followed by a significant call-up of 300,000 reservists later that year in response to Ukraine’s counteroffensive.

According to Putin, nearly 700,000 Russian troops are currently deployed in combat operations in Ukraine.

The latest expansion comes as Russian forces attempt to make gains in eastern Ukraine and push back Ukrainian troops from Russia’s border regions, including the Kursk region, where fighting has been reported.

On Monday, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it had liberated the settlements of Uspenovka and Borki in the region, further emphasizing the need for increased military personnel.

With this decree, Russia is poised to have one of the largest standing armies in the world, second only to China, which has just over 2 million active-duty personnel, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

The expanded military is expected to further bolster Russia's presence on the battlefield as it continues to grapple with ongoing war in Ukraine.