Sunday, August 3, 2025

Latest

Russia Moves To Boost Size Of Its Armed Forces; To Focus On ‘Volunteers’

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.

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.

READ: Russia’s Prison-Recruitment Scheme Descends Into Chaos

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.


Information for this briefing was found via Military.com, Reuters, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

AngloGold Buys Another Gold Junior! Augusta Gold Acquired For $197 Million

Another Gold Deal! Aris Mining Sells Assets To McFarlane

Royal Gold Goes Big | $3.5 Billion Sandstorm Acquisition

Recommended

Tsunami Warnings Spread As Largest Quake Since 2011 Hits Russia

Northern Superior Intersects 1.75 g/t Gold Over 65.0 Metres At Philibert

Related News

Russia Set to Block VPN Services Starting March 2024

Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, is set to implement a ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)...

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 02:12:00 PM

Seymour Hersh: Washington is Attempting to ‘Cover Up’ Involvement in Nord Stream Explosion

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh alleges that Washington is deliberately covering up its role in...

Thursday, March 23, 2023, 02:45:00 PM

Russia Will Limit Retail Investor Access To Shares From ‘Unfriendly’ Countries

Beginning October 1, the Bank of Russia will apply restrictions on retail investors’ access to...

Monday, September 12, 2022, 09:33:59 AM

Russians Ditch Ruble for Stablecoins as Sanctions Cripple Russia’s Currency

Russian citizens have been increasingly flocking to stablecoins in lieu of the ruble, as tough...

Monday, February 28, 2022, 05:10:00 PM

Sen. Lindsay Graham Faces Arrest Warrant From Russia Following Controversial Remarks

Russia’s Interior Ministry has issued an arrest warrant for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, citing comments...

Tuesday, May 30, 2023, 07:31:00 AM