Putin Orders Troop Surge Amid Prolonged Ukraine Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a significant increase in military personnel as the war in Ukraine drags into its third year. This move comes as Russia continues to face challenges on the battlefield while maintaining its military presence in Ukraine.
Troop Numbers to Increase by 180,000
On Monday, Putin signed a decree to boost the number of Russian troops by an additional 180,000. This expansion will bring the total number of active Russian military personnel to 1.5 million, up from the current 1.32 million. The overall number of military personnel, including support staff, will reach nearly 2.4 million.
The decree, which was made public on the official government website, is set to take effect on December 1. It also includes orders for the government to ensure adequate funding for this military expansion.
Previous Military Buildup and Its Impact
This increase in troops is part of a broader strategy to maintain Russia’s military presence in Ukraine. Last December, Putin signed a similar decree to raise the number of military personnel to 2.2 million. Despite this increase, Moscow has struggled to make decisive gains, even as its forces press forward in certain parts of eastern Ukraine.
Russian troops have been advancing steadily in the east, but progress has been slow. Over the past few months, Russia’s military has made incremental gains in the region, focusing on maintaining control in key areas.
Volunteer Recruitment and Reluctance to Mobilize Reservists
In 2022, Russia called up 300,000 reservists in response to Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive. However, the Kremlin has since avoided another large-scale mobilization, opting instead to rely on volunteer soldiers. The volunteers, attracted by high wages, have helped replenish the ranks of those fighting in Ukraine.
Despite these efforts, experts note that the Kremlin is hesitant to call up more reservists due to concerns over potential domestic instability. In 2022, the partial mobilization caused mass protests and led to hundreds of thousands of Russian men fleeing the country to avoid being sent to the front lines.
Challenges in the Kursk Region and Ukraine’s Advances
A shortage of personnel is believed to have contributed to recent Ukrainian successes in the Kursk region. On August 6, Ukraine launched an incursion into Russian territory, taking advantage of stretched Russian forces. The Russian military has had to rely on reinforcements from other regions to counter these advances, while attempting to avoid redeploying troops from eastern Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Monday that it had reclaimed two more villages in the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Russia’s Military Strategy?
As the conflict in Ukraine continues with no end in sight, Russia is preparing for a prolonged military engagement. The increase in troop numbers is a clear signal that Moscow is doubling down on its efforts to maintain control in Ukraine. However, with ongoing personnel shortages and internal tensions, it remains to be seen how effective this strategy will be in the months ahead.