Putin signs decree increasing size of Russian armed forces

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the size of the Russian armed forces by 7,360 military personnel.

Source: Russian Defence Ministry; Russian news agency RBC

Details: The total authorised strength of the Russian armed forces has been set at 2,399,130 personnel, including 1,510,000 servicemen.

Under the previous decree, issued on 4 March 2026, the number of military personnel stood at 1,502,640.

As a result, the authorised number of servicemen has increased by 7,360.

Putin stated earlier, during a meeting with Russian military personnel, that more than 700,000 people are taking part in the war against Ukraine.

Quote from Putin: "We have a large grouping there [in the war against Ukraine – ed.], more than 700,000 personnel."

Background: Putin said that Russian forces would step up strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure to "discourage" attacks on targets inside Russia.

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