Image Credits :L A Times
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a significant expansion of the Russian military, instructing the Ministry of Defence to increase troop numbers by 180,000, bringing the total strength of the Russian armed forces to 1.5 million soldiers. This move announced amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and heightened tensions with Western nations, signals Moscow’s intent to bolster its military capabilities for both current and future challenges.
According to a decree signed by Putin, the military build-up is set to take place over the next few years. The expansion will involve both conscription and professional recruitment, as Russia seeks to modernise and strengthen its forces in response to what it describes as increasing threats to its security. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who has been overseeing the restructuring of Russia’s military forces, indicated that the new personnel would be deployed across all branches of the military, with a particular focus on the land forces and strategic nuclear forces.
The increase in troop numbers comes in the wake of heavy Russian losses in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Russia has faced stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces, leading to significant casualties and a protracted conflict. While Moscow has avoided publishing official casualty figures, Western intelligence and Ukrainian sources have estimated substantial Russian military losses over the past year.
The expansion is part of a broader military reform plan unveiled by Shoigu, which includes modernising equipment, increasing production of advanced weaponry, and improving command structures. Russia’s military-industrial complex has been ramped up to meet the demands of the war, with a focus on producing more drones, tanks, and precision missiles.