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According to a report by Kyiv Post, Russian President Vladimir Putin has increased the size of the Russian military by 180,000 personnel, bringing the total to 2.39 million in response to the ongoing pressures of the war in Ukraine. Russia's strategy to counter equipment shortages with increased manpower includes this expansion, slated to take effect in December 2024.
Military and political expert Alexander Kovalenko pointed out that Russia faces ongoing logistical and equipment shortages in Ukraine, which have led to a greater need for more personnel. He warns that this strategy could turn the Russian military into a largely infantry-based force with inadequate technological support.
Kovalenko noted that Russia is struggling to recruit enough volunteers. Despite offering large financial incentives – such as 2 million rubles ($22,000) – these efforts have failed to attract sufficient recruits. "In the future, the process may become even more coercive, as few people are willing to join the army," Kovalenko added.
Putin's decision to further expand the military highlights the growing cost of the war for Russia and the strain on its military strength. Experts warn that Russia may turn to more forceful methods to increase troop numbers in the future.
Russia's lagging voluntary recruitment raises the possibility of wider conscription measures. The impact of this expansion on Russia's military strategy and the overall course of the war will be crucial to monitor.
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