Putin Signs Fourth Troop Expansion Decree

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase of 15,500 personnel in the country’s armed forces, marking the fourth such decree issued this year.

The decree, signed on Monday, raises the authorised strength of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 units, including 1,550,500 military personnel.

“The authorised personnel strength of the Russian armed forces is to be set at 2,441,630 units, including 1,550,500 military personnel,” the decree said.

The order did not explain the increase.

Putin previously signed similar decrees in March, June and July, bringing the total increase since March to 47,860 troops.

The latest move comes as Russia and Ukraine continue to suffer heavy casualties in the war, which has lasted more than four and a half years.

Russia’s battlefield advances have slowed this year, with widespread drone use along the front making large-scale, rapid troop movements harder.

Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of preparing another mobilisation, a claim Putin has dismissed as Ukrainian disinformation.

Putin last ordered a mobilisation of reservists in 2022 after Russian forces suffered a series of setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine.