Russia has announced another increase in the size of its armed forces, with President Vladimir Putin approving a decree that raises the total number of military personnel to nearly 2.4 million. The decision reflects Moscow’s continued focus on strengthening its military capacity as the war in Ukraine continues.
According to the decree signed on March 4, the total strength of Russia’s armed forces will reach 2,391,770 personnel. Out of this figure, 1,502,640 will be active-duty troops, marking a small increase of around 2,640 soldiers compared with the previous staffing level.
The move follows a series of military expansions ordered by the Kremlin since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022. Over the past few years, Russia has gradually increased the official size of its armed forces through several decrees aimed at strengthening manpower and maintaining operational capability.
Maintaining a large force has become increasingly important for Moscow as the conflict continues along a long and active front line. Ukrainian officials have previously stated that hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers are deployed across different sectors of the battlefield.
At the same time, the Kremlin has tried to avoid another nationwide mobilization like the one announced in 2022, which triggered public criticism and led many Russian citizens to leave the country. Instead, the government has relied more heavily on contract soldiers, recruitment incentives, and financial bonuses to attract new personnel to the military.
Recent changes to recruitment policies also show how Russia is adjusting its military structure during the conflict. The country has moved toward year-round conscription starting in 2026, replacing the traditional spring and autumn draft cycles. Officially, conscripts are not supposed to be deployed outside Russia, though reports suggest that some are encouraged to sign professional contracts with the Defense Ministry.
The expansion of troop numbers highlights how the war in Ukraine continues to shape Russia’s long-term military planning. Increasing personnel levels allows Moscow to sustain operations while rotating forces and reinforcing different sectors of the front.
Beyond the battlefield, the decision also signals that Russia intends to maintain a strong military posture for the foreseeable future. As the conflict enters another year, adjustments in troop levels, recruitment policies, and defense spending remain central to the Kremlin’s broader strategy.
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