Russia expands its army. Putin’s latest decree: 15,500 additional troops

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the size of the army by 15,500 troops, for the fourth time since the beginning of the year.

“The strength of the Russian armed forces must reach 2,441,000 units, including 1,550,500 military personnel,” the decree says.

Earlier, Putin signed such decrees in March, June and July, through which the Russian army grew by 47,860 soldiers.

The Russian leader has not mentioned a reason for his decision, but it comes at a time when there is talk of rising losses among the troops fighting in Ukraine.

This year, the advance of Kremlin troops on the battlefield has slowed, as the widespread use of drones has made the rapid movement of military units almost impossible. Also, in recent weeks there have been reports suggesting an advance by Ukrainian troops at several points along the front line.

The last time Putin announced a “partial mobilization” of reservists was in September 2022, after a series of battlefield failures. That decree is still in force.

In August, Ukrainian intelligence services reported that Moscow planned to call up to 300,000 people under arms this year, to deploy them on the war front, and the same number again next year.

A number of analysts, citing data on the Russian authorities’ preparatory measures, predict a new wave of mobilization this autumn, immediately after the parliamentary elections are held.

The news has caused fear among ordinary Russians about being forcibly sent to the front line, as well as fear of increased emigration.