When Moscow began its war against Ukraine, Kremlin propagandists spoke of taking over Kiev within a short period of time. Moscow is far from that – and is now arming itself further.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has increased the size of his armed forces for the third time since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine that he ordered. The number of military personnel is to reach 2.389 million people from December, including 1.5 million soldiers, according to a presidential decree.
Only in December last year did Putin increase the target troop strength in the armed forces to 2.2 million people, including 1.33 million soldiers. At the start of the war in 2022, the number of soldiers in Russia was just over a million. In comparison, the new target would mean an increase in troop strength of 50 percent.
Initially, there was no reaction from the Ministry of Defense in Moscow to the new planning figures from the Kremlin. Last time, the authority had assured that the additional personnel requirements would be covered by volunteers. In September 2022, Putin ordered a partial mobilization in view of several defeats in the war, which led to discontent in Russia and the hasty departure of many young men.
Russia has been waging war against Ukraine for more than two and a half years. Moscow has not yet achieved its declared war aims. The Kremlin is currently refusing to negotiate with Kiev. The reason given is that Ukrainian troops are now also on Russian territory.
Source: Stern
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