Putin gave the order in an executive Presidential decree published on the Kremlin’s press release.

President Vladimir Putin has issued an executive decree to expand the Russian army by an additional 180,000 troops, setting the total number of active servicemen at 1.5 million. This decision, which was published on the Kremlin’s website, aims to make Russia’s military the second largest in the world in terms of active combat soldiers, only surpassed by China. The decree, effective from December 1, 2024, increases the overall size of Russia’s armed forces to nearly 2.4 million personnel. This move marks the third expansion of the Russian military since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, reflecting Russia’s ongoing military strategy and its implications for regional and global security dynamics. The expansion does not currently involve a new mobilization but focuses on recruiting volunteers, although there has been discussion about potential future mobilizations or changes in recruitment policies, such as involving more women in the military, to meet these numbers. The increase in troop numbers comes amidst ongoing military engagements, particularly in Ukraine, where Russia has been pushing offensives and dealing with Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory. This military buildup could be seen as a response to prolonged conflict, the need for security along new NATO borders, and possibly as a strategic move to assert or defend Russian interests in a context where military power plays a significant role in international relations. The Kremlin’s approach to avoid large-scale mobilization and instead rely on volunteers might be an attempt to mitigate domestic discontent, which was evident during previous mobilizations when many Russians fled the country to avoid conscription. However, this strategy also raises questions about sustainability, the economic cost of maintaining such a force, and the effectiveness of volunteer-based military expansion in the context of modern warfare. Globally, this expansion could be perceived as an escalation or a defensive measure, depending on geopolitical perspectives. It underscores the continuing tensions, particularly with NATO countries and Ukraine, and might influence military doctrines and defense spending in neighboring and opposing nations. The international community, particularly Western powers, might view this as a sign of Russia’s commitment to maintaining or expanding its military footprint, potentially affecting diplomatic relations, arms control discussions, and security policies worldwide.