Putin Orders Russian Military Expansion to 2.44M Amid Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order on Monday to expand the military to 2,441,630 total personnel, including 1.55 million active-duty troops—an increase of 15,500 from the previous level. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claims more than 8,000 North Korean troops are now deployed in Russia, with another 10,000 being prepared for deployment.

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Putin signed executive order increasing armed forces personnel
Active-duty servicemen increased by 15,500 troops
Total military strength set at 2,441,630 personnel
Zelenskyy claimed 8,000+ North Korean troops deployed in Russia
Zelenskyy said 10,000 additional North Korean troops being prepared

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order on Monday, September 28, to increase the total strength of Russia's armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, with 1.55 million active-duty servicemen. The decree raises active-duty numbers by 15,500 troops and marks another adjustment following similar expansions ordered in August and earlier in 2024. The Russian government published the order on its official legal documents website.

The expansion occurs as both Russia and Ukraine report mounting casualties in the conflict, now in its fourth year following Russia's February 2022 invasion. Putin has repeatedly increased military personnel since the full-scale invasion began. The Moscow Times reported that Russia has created 52,500 new military positions this year, predominantly active-duty slots rather than civilian support roles. The presidential decree did not publicly state a rationale for the latest increase.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on social media that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are currently deployed on Russian territory, with preparations underway to send an additional 10,000. Zelenskyy cited "new data" indicating the North Korean soldiers were "being selected for training and subsequent deployment to Russia." Ukrainian and South Korean estimates suggest North Korea has sent 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia since 2024, with most concentrated in the Kursk region to counter Ukrainian operations there. Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un publicly confirmed the troop deployment last year.

In response to Russian mobilization claims, Putin dismissed Ukrainian allegations as "disinformation." Some military experts have noted that a new formal draft order faces obstacles, since the 2022 "partial" mobilization remains technically in effect. Ukraine has accused Russia of conducting covert recruitment drives through "various means" following Russia's parliamentary elections.

The expansion order was followed by continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory. Explosions struck Kyiv early on Tuesday, with missile debris damaging residential and non-residential buildings. Zelenskyy reported that Russian drone strikes across Ukraine on Monday killed nine people and injured more than 80, including in the capital. Putin also ordered Russian assets of German retailer Metro AG to be placed under temporary administration, citing tensions over the Ukraine war.

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Politics Technology World Ukraine War

#Putin mobilization #North Korean troops #Kursk Region #Ukraine war #NATO sabotage #Zelenskyy #Russia military expansion #armed forces personnel #Russian strikes

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Why This Matters

Russia's military personnel expansion coincides with ongoing casualties in Ukraine's fourth year of conflict. The addition of 15,500 active-duty troops reflects Russia's recurring mobilization adjustments since February 2022. Ukraine's reported deployment of North Korean forces—estimated at 14,000–15,000 troops total, concentrated in the Kursk region—represents potential changes to battlefield composition and third-party involvement in the war. Observers track these numbers as indicators of military strain, mobilization sustainability, and geopolitical coalition shifts. Continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities (with reported civilian casualties on September 29) and economic measures (Metro AG asset seizure) demonstrate ongoing military and economic dimensions of the conflict.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2024

Wire

North Korea begins sending troops to support Russia (14,000-15,000 total deployed)

Sep 28, 2026

Wire

Putin signs executive order expanding armed forces to 2,441,630 total personnel (1.55 million active-duty)

Sep 29, 2026

Wire

Zelenskyy claims 8,000+ North Korean troops deployed in Russia with 10,000 more being prepared

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