As stated in a decree, the Russian armed forces are set to grow by roughly 170,000 personnel. This expansion accompanies an overall increase to the force strength, with the armed forces aiming for 2,209,130 units, including 1,320,000 military personnel.
The plan to reach this level relies on recruiting contract servicemen rather than expanding compulsion. Officials from the Ministry of Defense explained that the expansion would be funded primarily by volunteers who choose to serve under contract.
There are no announced plans to significantly expand compulsory military service. The ministry reiterated that no mobilization is planned in conjunction with the current adjustments.
The Ministry of Defense connected the proposed increases to a broader strategic backdrop, citing the expansion of the North Atlantic Alliance, ongoing operations in Ukraine, and a perceived rise in threats to national security. The ministry argued that more NATO forces are moving toward the Russian border and that air defense systems and offensive capabilities are being deployed in response.
The ministry also noted that NATO’s tactical nuclear capabilities are being expanded. It cited United States plans to replace about 200 older freefall bombs stationed in Europe and Turkey with newer, highly precise models by the end of 2025. The ministry stated that a larger, more capable armed force is a proportional response to perceived NATO aggression. [citation: Official ministry statements]
Prior to the onset of the special operation in Ukraine, the typical size of Russia’s armed forces stood at 1,013,628 personnel. A presidential decree issued on 25 August 2022 increased this number by 150,000 personnel.
The number of contract soldiers is increasing
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, reported that since the beginning of 2023 more than 452,000 individuals have joined military service under contract in line with the interests of the joint forces group. He highlighted Moscow, Chechnya and Sevastopol as regions where voluntary enlistment has been particularly active.
Medvedev noted the systematic support from authorities in several federative entities, especially the capital, Sevastopol and the Chechen Republic, for building up the cadre of contract soldiers for the joint troop group. He added that more than 30,000 residents of Chechnya are taking part in activities related to the conflict in Ukraine.
In November, Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that the contract recruitment mission of the Ministry of Defense had been completed ahead of schedule, with more than 22,000 people registering for military service since the start of the year. In October, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attributed the rising recruitment rate to greater social cohesion and the favorable financial terms offered to service members. He stated that these conditions were decisive for many people when deciding to enlist.