Putin has expanded Russia's military—but says there's no need for a new mobilization.
So how is Moscow planning to build a bigger army while avoiding another nationwide draft?
What You Need to Know
• Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the authorized strength of Russia's Armed Forces to over 2.42 million personnel, including 1.535 million military personnel.
• The Kremlin says the expansion will rely on contract soldiers and volunteers, not a new nationwide mobilization.
• Dmitry Medvedev claims nearly 200,000 Russians signed military contracts in the first half of the year, while thousands more joined volunteer formations and the Drone Systems Forces.
• Russian officials insist current recruitment targets have been fully met and dismiss reports of another mobilization as misinformation.
• The announcement comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues, raising new questions about Moscow's long-term military strategy and manpower model.
Comments (0)