Putin expands Russian military to 2.4 million despite denying Europe war plans
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a fourth military expansion this year, raising Russia's authorised armed forces strength to over 2.4 million personnel, while denying any plans for military action against Europe. The decree sets total authorised personnel at 2,441,630, including 1,550,500 active-duty military staff. Putin stated Russia has "no plans" for war with Europe, accusing European nations of heightening tensions and claiming Moscow would address Baltic states' treatment of Russian speakers through humanitarian and legal means. The build-up follows parliamentary elections that strengthened Putin's United Russia party, with Kyiv dismissing the vote as illegitimate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia has already begun mobilisation and may seek 300,000 more troops, while reported defence spending could reach £153 billion by 2027.