Putin Orders Major Expansion of Russian Army to 1.5 Million Troops
In a significant move, President Vladimir Putin has once again ordered the expansion of the Russian army, this time increasing its size by 180,000 troops to reach a total of 1.5 million soldiers. This marks the third time Putin has expanded the army’s ranks since the military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022. The decree, published on the Kremlin’s website, also outlined an overall increase in the armed forces to 2.38 million people, with 1.5 million designated as active servicemen.
Continuous Military Build-Up
Since 2022, Putin has steadily increased the number of combat troops, with previous orders adding 137,000 and 170,000 soldiers respectively. The latest expansion comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region, particularly in Ukraine. The Russian military’s presence in Ukraine has been a point of contention, with Western nations condemning the actions as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Impact and Concerns
The decision to bolster the Russian army to 1.5 million troops raises concerns both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the increase in military personnel could strain resources and infrastructure. Internationally, the move is seen as a further escalation of tensions, especially in regions where Russian military presence is already a contentious issue.
The mobilization of over 300,000 soldiers in September and October 2022 during military exercises had already caused alarm, leading to a mass exodus of draft-age men fleeing the country. While the Kremlin has stated that there are no immediate plans for a new mobilization, the reliance on volunteers signing up for combat in Ukraine on lucrative contracts raises questions about the sustainability of such practices.
The expansion of the Russian army under Putin’s leadership has long been a point of contention, with critics pointing to the increasing militarization of the country as a cause for concern. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has only exacerbated these fears, as the presence of Russian troops in the region continues to be a source of instability.
Geopolitical Ramifications
The decision to expand the Russian army to 1.5 million troops has significant geopolitical implications. The increased military presence could further strain relations with neighboring countries and Western powers, particularly those that have been critical of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The move is also likely to draw the attention of NATO and other international bodies, who have been monitoring the situation closely. The expansion of the Russian army adds a new dimension to the already complex geopolitical landscape, with potential repercussions for regional stability and security.
In conclusion, Putin’s order to expand the Russian army to 1.5 million troops is a significant development that has wide-ranging implications. The decision comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region and underscores the ongoing militarization of Russia under Putin’s leadership. The move is likely to provoke further scrutiny and criticism from the international community, as concerns about the impact of the expanded military presence continue to grow.