Putin Signs Order to Expand Armed Forces to Over 2.42 Million Personnel

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday, July 27, authorizing the formation of several new military construction engineering units and increasing the authorized personnel strength of the Russian Armed Forces to over 2.42 million. This new order will take effect on August 1.

According to the official website of the Russian presidency and the legal information portal, President Putin signed the decree to amend a previous presidential order issued on June 12, adjusting the total authorized strength of the armed forces to over 2.42 million personnel, including 1.535 million active-duty soldiers.

This means that the total authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces will increase by 27,000 personnel, with active-duty troops rising by 25,000.

Multiple media outlets, including TASS and Russia Today (RT), reported that the June 12 decree had set the authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces at over 2.39 million personnel, including 1.51 million active-duty soldiers. The latest adjustment reflects ongoing military demands, particularly amid the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and the need for enhanced infrastructure and logistical support.