The workforce is now 2.2 million people; The war with Ukraine is entering its 22nd month
The Russian government announced on Friday (December 1, 2023) that it would increase the armed forces by 170,000 people. According to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on November 29, the Russian army will have 1.32 million soldiers and 2.2 million servicemen after the expansion.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the increase will be gradual and in accordance with the representation of citizens who express a desire to serve in the military. Hiring is contractual. The agency also said there are no plans to increase mandatory recruitment.
The Russian government said the increase was due to the growing “threat to the country related to the conduct of a special military operation and further expansion of NATO.” [Organização do Tratado Atlântico Norte]“. The Kremlin said the group would increase its nuclear arsenal, citing Turkey’s replacement of 200 aging North American nuclear bombs with new ones by 2025.
You can find the full statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense here:
“According to the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of November 29, 2023, the maximum strength of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has been increased by 170,000 military personnel to 1 million 320,000 military personnel.
“The increase in the number of servicemen in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation occurs gradually at the expense of citizens who express a desire to perform military service under a contract.
“In this respect, there are no plans to significantly increase the recruitment of citizens for military service. There is no forecast for mobilization.
“The increase in the number of armed forces is due to the increasing threats to our country in connection with the conduct of a special military operation and the further expansion of NATO.
“The alliance’s combined forces are being built up near Russia’s borders and additional air defense systems and offensive weapons are being deployed.
“The potential of NATO’s tactical nuclear forces is increasing. The United States wants to replace 200 aging freefall nuclear bombs in Europe and Turkey with a new, highprecision version by the end of 2025.
“Under current conditions, a further increase in combat strength and the size of the armed forces is an appropriate response to the aggressive activities of the NATO bloc.
“Russian Ministry of Defense”.