Putin Boosts Russian Armed Forces by 170,000 Troops Amid Rising Threats and NATO Expansion

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the maximum number of servicemen in the Russian armed forces by 170,000 people, bringing the total number of troops to 1.32 million. The increase in the full-time strength of the armed forces is in response to growing threats to the country, including the special military operation in Ukraine and the ongoing expansion of NATO. The increase in the number of servicemen will be achieved through the recruitment of contract personnel, and there are no plans to significantly increase conscription or carry out a new wave of mobilization.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, announced that over 452,000 people were recruited to the military under contract from January 1 to December 1, 2023. This is the second expansion of the army since 2018, with the previous boost of 137,000 troops in August 2022. The Defense Ministry clarified that the order does not imply a significant expansion of conscription and that the increase will happen gradually by recruiting more volunteers. The ministry cited the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine and the expansion of NATO as the reasons for strengthening the army.

NATO's increasing presence near Russia's borders, along with the deployment of additional air defense systems and strike weapons, and the potential increase of NATO’s tactical nuclear forces has prompted Russia to boost its troops in response to the aggressive activities of the NATO bloc, according to the Defense Ministry. The decision to increase the military's strength comes as both Russia and Ukraine have continued to keep military casualties under a tight lid of secrecy. The Russian military has only confirmed just over 6,000 casualties, while the West estimates much higher numbers.

In October, the UK Defense Ministry tweeted an estimate of 150,000-190,000 permanent casualties for Russia. Various efforts have been made to boost the Russian army, including an increase in the size of the military to 1.15 million in August 2022 and the mobilization of 300,000 reservists in September 2022 for deployment to Ukraine. Regional authorities have also formed volunteer battalions, while recruitment campaigns offering cash bonuses and amnesty for prisoners in exchange for military duty have been underway. In addition to these efforts, the regular draft calls up around 120,000-140,000 men twice a year for compulsory service, with a one-year tour of duty. The authorities have raised the upper age limit for mandatory service to 30 and have drafted 130,000 conscripts in the fall. Overall, the increase in the Russian armed forces aims to ensure the country's security in the face of growing threats.