WorldPutin signs decree expanding Russian military personnel amid huge budget and mobilization rumors

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree raising the armed forces’ stated total personnel to 2,441,630, including 1,550,500 active service members. The increase of about 15,500 from July is the fourth incremental expansion this year. Russia is also reported to be raising 2027 defense spending to 17.1 trillion rubles, while Kyiv projects possible forced mobilization of about 300,000 people in both 2026 and 2027.

Russian militarymilitary expansionUkraine wardefense budget

TThe Kyiv Independent★★★★☆2026-09-29 16:45Original