Russia plans to increase the size of its armed forces by over 30% “to guarantee the solving of problems related to Russia’s military security,” according to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday.
The plan, proposed by Shoigu at a televised year-end conference of the country’s top military officials on Wednesday, aims to grow the country’s armed forces from 1.15 million combat personnel to an ambitious 1.5 million and create multiple new units.
Shoigu cited the potential NATO membership of Finland and Sweden as a reason for the need for more troops. The military chief also said that 695,000 of the fighters should be contracted soldiers, versus those conscripted for mandatory service.
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Russia currently has about 1 million soldiers. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in the summer that would add 137,000 new personnel to increase the size of its armed forces to 1.15 million starting January 1, 2023. On Wednesday, Shoigu did not say when the military will reach the new target of 1.5 million.
The expansion signals continued difficulties in Ukraine, as well as warns of a protracted attempt at the invasion. The Kremlin had initially declared the size of its armed forces sufficient, but that was before they realized underdog Ukraine would put up such a fight.
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In September, Putin ordered a partial mobilization that rounded up 300,000 new troops to join the frontlines in Ukraine. Another round of mobilization is likely but Shoigu appears to be keener on employing professional soldiers.
The Russian military claims that only 5,037 troops have been killed when they last reported combat losses in September. But the UK, as of earlier this week, puts the number of those who died, were wounded, or have deserted closer to 100,000 since the invasion began.
Shoigu also announced that the draft age for the one-year mandatory military service will be adjusted from 18 to 27 to 21 to 30 years old. The recruits will be offered the option to serve for one year as draftees or to sign a contract with the military as volunteers.
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