Putin Expands Russian Army by 15,500 Troops to 1.55 Million

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the Russian army's size by 15,500 troops, raising the total armed forces to 2.44 million personnel, including about 1.55 million military servicemen. This is the fourth such decree this year, following similar orders in March, June, and July, bringing the total increase since March to 47,860 servicemen. The decision comes amid ongoing war in Ukraine and rising casualties on both sides. Russia's field advance has slowed this year due to intensive drone use on front lines. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of preparing new mobilization, which Putin has dismissed as "misinformation." His last partial reserve call-up was in 2022.