Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree raising the authorized strength of the country’s armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel, according to the document published on September 28. The increase amounts to 15,500 additional military positions.
The move marks the fourth increase in Russia’s authorized military strength this year. Since March, Putin’s decrees have added a total of 47,860 military personnel to the authorized force.
The increase comes as Russia continues its full-scale war against Ukraine and faces substantial personnel losses. The decree itself does not give a reason for the expansion.
Zelenskyy says Russia is increasing recruitment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on September 28 that Russia had begun additional mobilization and was increasing the pace of military recruitment.
Zelenskyy also said more than 8,000 North Korean troops were currently in Russia and that another 10,000 were being prepared for deployment. Reuters reported the same figures, while noting that North Korea has previously sent an estimated 14,000–15,000 troops to support Russia since 2024.
“More than 8,000 North Korean military personnel are currently on Russian territory. Another 10,000 are being prepared,” Zelenskyy said.
His statements about additional Russian mobilization and the future deployment of North Korean troops are Ukrainian government assessments.
Russia has repeatedly expanded its military
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the authorized strength of its armed forces stood at 1,902,758 personnel, including 1,013,628 military personnel, according to figures cited by Ukrainian authorities.
Putin first significantly increased the authorized strength after the invasion in August 2022. Since then, the ceiling has been raised several more times.
Russia last ordered a partial mobilization in September 2022, when Putin called up reservists following major battlefield setbacks. That mobilization decree remains in force, according to reports.
The latest increase does not by itself establish that Russia has ordered another nationwide mobilization. It formally raises the number of military positions authorized within the armed forces.
The expansion comes alongside continued Russian efforts to recruit personnel and sustain its military campaign in Ukraine, while Moscow is also relying on foreign military support, including personnel and weapons from North Korea.
