Paul TuckerUpdated on: October 12, 2024 9:45 am GMT
In a significant military announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated an increase in the country’s armed forces by 180,000 troops, bringing the total number of active servicemen to 1.5 million. This move, set to take effect on December 1, represents the third expansion of Russia’s military since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in February 2022.
Russia’s Expanding Military
The new decree will raise Russia’s overall military personnel to approximately 2.38 million, solidifying its position as the second-largest army in the world, following China. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), this increase will put Russia ahead of the United States and India in terms of active combat soldiers. As of now, China has more than 2 million active-duty personnel, while the U.S. has around 1.4 million.
Context of the Increase
This latest troop increase follows a series of military adjustments amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Here are some key points regarding Russia’s military changes:
- The number of troops involved in the Ukraine conflict was previously stated by Putin to be nearly 700,000.
- In late 2022, Russia called up 300,000 reservists in response to Ukrainian counteroffensives.
- The Russian military has also been recruiting volunteer soldiers with relatively high salaries to fill in gaps.
As the situation in eastern Ukraine evolves, with Russian forces making advances and attempting to remove Ukrainian military elements from several regions, the need for increased troop strength has become apparent.
Challenges Ahead for the Kremlin
Despite the decree, questions arise regarding whether the Russian government can effectively fund and maintain this expanded military. Dara Massicot, a military expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, expressed skepticism on social media about the Kremlin’s ability to manage such an increase. She noted:
“There are ways to staff a standing 1.5 million force, but the Kremlin will not like them if they are truly grappling with what that requires.”
Massicot suggested that the Kremlin may have to consider difficult choices, including:
- Draft Expansion: Increasing the draft size to introduce more recruits.
- Role for Women: Modifying laws to permit greater participation of women in military roles.
She urged vigilance regarding the authenticity of this military initiative, cautioning that it needs to be more than just a façade for intimidation.
The Impact of Previous Mobilizations
Past mobilizations have been met with mixed results. Following the previous call for reservists in 2022, many fled Russia to avoid combat, leading to significant losses in manpower. The Kremlin appears wary of repeating this situation, even as it faces heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine. While official figures on these casualties remain undisclosed, reports suggest that both sides endure substantial damage.
Recent Developments in the Ukraine Conflict
Along with troop adjustments, the war continues to unfold with escalating tensions. In recent months, Ukraine has conducted successful military operations against Russian forces, including an attack across the border in the Kursk region, marking a significant event since World War II.
Russia has responded by intensifying its military efforts to reclaim territories and maintain a foothold in contested regions. They are also pushing forward to secure strategic locations like the town of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Looking Forward
As the military landscape shifts, several factors will be crucial:
- Budget Considerations: Whether Russia can allocate sufficient funds for an expanded military.
- Recruitment Strategies: The effectiveness of existing recruitment methods amid rising costs.
- Geopolitical Dynamics: The ongoing international response to the conflict and military movements.
The upcoming months will play a key role in determining the success of Russia’s military expansion and its implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Conclusion
President Putin’s decision to send more troops could change the military situation in the area and make the conflict even worse. Russia wants to strengthen its army, but it will have a tough time with money, finding new soldiers, and dealing with how other countries respond. Many people are paying attention to see what happens next and how it will affect both Russia and Ukraine.
