Putin Issues Order to Increase Russian Military Forces
Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again ordered an increase in the number of his country’s military forces. This expansion comes as Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
According to AFP on Tuesday (29/09/2026), Putin signed a decree on Monday (2ost/09) ordering an increase of 15,500 Russian military personnel. This is the fourth such order from Putin this year.
Putin’s order was issued as the death toll from the war, on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides, continues to rise. The war itself has been raging for more than four and a half years.
The decree signed by Putin does not state the reasons behind this increase in Russian military personnel.
“The official number of personnel in the Russian Armed Forces is set at 2,441,630, including 1,550,500 military personnel,” reads the decree signed by Putin.
Putin previously signed documents to increase troop numbers in March, June, and July. Combined, the total increase in Russian troops since March has reached 47,860 soldiers.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has continued since it began in 2022. Moscow’s progress on the battlefield has reportedly slowed this year, as the widespread use of drones on the front lines has made large-scale and rapid troop movements almost impossible.
Ukraine has also repeatedly accused Russia of preparing for another military mobilisation. Kyiv’s allegations were dismissed by Putin as ‘disinformation’.
Putin last ordered the mobilisation of Russian reserve forces in 2022 following a series of military setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Putin States Russia Will Not Go to War with Europe
Putin previously emphasised that Russia is not preparing for ‘any’ conflict with Europe. This assertion by Putin dismisses warnings from several NATO member states in Europe regarding the potential for Russian attacks on the military alliance’s territories.
As reported by AFP, Putin stated that Moscow ‘has no real motive’ to increase tensions. He also criticised European nations that believe otherwise.
“Many parties in Europe are speaking about the possibility of an attack from Russia and, therefore, believe they must prepare for hostility, or war against Russia,” Putin said when speaking to journalists in Saint Petersburg on Friday (25/09) local time.
“I want to reaffirm: we are not preparing for any hostility with Europe,” the Russian President asserted.
Putin’s statement follows concerns raised by several of Ukraine’s allies in Europe regarding potential covert Russian attacks on their territories. Earlier this month, Germany accused Russia of planning a drone attack at Leipzig airport last August.
Meanwhile, Poland has warned that Moscow could launch drones and missiles at countries supporting Ukraine. Putin added that Moscow is considering its stance regarding the possibility of resuming peace negotiations with Kyiv, following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russia.
“Regarding the proposal to continue negotiations, yes, all options are available, and everything is possible—but after all the actions they have taken, we will carefully consider what steps need to be taken in response,” Putin said in his statement.