In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken decisive action to bolster Russia’s military strength by signing a decree that will increase the number of Russian troops by 15%. This strategic move comes in response to growing concerns over escalating threats, particularly in light of NATO’s expansion.
The Ministry of Defence released an official statement explaining that this troop increase would be executed gradually through a recruitment drive rather than mobilization or alterations to conscription policies. The statement emphasized that the surge in servicemen for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation would be based on the voluntary enlistment of citizens eager to serve under contract.
This decision has been precipitated by multiple factors, including the “growth of the joint armed forces of [NATO] near Russia’s borders” and the persistent threats associated with Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. While Russia has not disclosed official casualty figures, it is widely acknowledged that the conflict in Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on Russian forces over the past year and a half.
One of the key contributing factors to this heightened state of alert is the expansion of NATO, with recent inclusions such as Finland, a nation sharing a lengthy border with Russia. Additionally, Sweden has expressed its intent to join the alliance. NATO has indicated that Ukraine’s path to membership will depend on certain conditions being met, although no specific timeframe has been provided. It is important to note that Ukraine remains embroiled in a conflict with Russia and cannot join NATO while hostilities persist.