Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the size of Russia’s armed forces. The total personnel will now reach nearly 2.4 million, which includes 1.5 million servicemen. This comes after a similar decree in December 2023, which expanded the military to over 2.2 million, with 1.3 million troops.
Government Funding for Expansion
Putin’s latest order instructs the government to provide the required funds to the Defense Ministry to support this growth. As a result, the number of personnel in the armed forces will officially reach 2,389,130.
Response to Western Proxy War
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained the need for this increase, attributing it to the “proxy war” being waged by the West. He emphasized the importance of national security, particularly as the West’s actions extend beyond military activities to economic and legal warfare.
NATO Threats and Expansion
Russia’s Defense Ministry clarified that the growing military force responds to NATO’s continued expansion. Members of the US-led NATO alliance have increased their presence along Russia’s border, deploying additional air defense systems and strike weapons.
Voluntary Service
The Defense Ministry also noted that the increase in personnel would come from citizens who voluntarily choose to serve under contract. This decision is seen as a direct response to NATO’s aggressive activities near Russian borders.
In conclusion, the expansion of Russia’s military reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions and Moscow’s need to bolster its defense capabilities.
RT
