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Putin Orders Fourth Army Expansion This Year Amid Rising Russia-Ukraine War Losses
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Firstpost•29-09-2026, 18:58
Putin Orders Fourth Army Expansion This Year Amid Rising Russia-Ukraine War Losses
- •Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a fourth increase this year in the authorized strength of Russia's armed forces, adding 15,500 military personnel.
- •The latest decree raises the authorized strength to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel, bringing the total increase since March to 47,860.
- •The expansion comes as Russian forces face significant battlefield losses and difficulties in Ukraine, with the pace of their advances slowing.
- •The move revives fears of another large-scale mobilization, though Putin has dismissed such speculation as "utter nonsense."
- •Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims Russia has already begun additional mobilization through various recruitment methods and is seeking to increase foreign soldiers, including 10,000 North Korean troops.
Key Questions Answered
Under the decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, the authorized strength of the Russian armed forces will increase to 2,441,630 personnel, which includes 1,550,500 military personnel.
Following orders issued in March, June, July, and the latest expansion, the total increase in military personnel since March stands at 47,860.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia had effectively started additional mobilization by expanding recruitment through various methods and increasing foreign fighters. He also claimed that over 8,000 North Korean troops were already in Russia with another 10,000 being selected for training, while Russia provides technological support for drone production in return.
