Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday increasing the size of the country’s armed forces by 15,500 troops, raising active service members to 1,550,500 and the overall authorized strength to 2,441,630. This marks the fourth expansion this year, bringing the total increase since March to 52,500 positions, including 50,500 military posts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky separately warned that Russia is preparing to deploy 10,000 additional North Korean troops to Ukraine, on top of the 8,000 already fighting alongside Russian forces. Zelensky stated in a social media post that the new troops are being selected for training and subsequent deployment. He added that Russia is compensating North Korea with technical support, including assistance in establishing Shahed-type attack drone production in the country.
Putin’s Decree and Military Expansion
The Kremlin did not provide an explicit reason for the troop increase, though it follows heavy casualties on both sides and occurs amid Russia’s tightly controlled State Duma elections, where the ruling United Russia party secured a record 349 of 450 seats. The decree instructs the government to allocate additional funds to the Ministry of Defense, with Russia’s 2027 budget draft expected to include a significant increase in defense spending.
Analysts had anticipated some form of mobilization after the elections, a prospect that has faced public unease within Russia. The expansion comes as Moscow seeks to replenish frontline forces without implementing a forced mobilization, which Putin has thus far avoided.
North Korean Involvement in the War
Zelensky’s claims about North Korean troop deployments align with prior reporting that 25,000 North Korean personnel have already rotated through Russian forces. During a meeting in China last year, Putin publicly thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for sending troops to fight in Ukraine, describing their performance as ‘courageous and heroic.’
The reported exchange of military support for technology—including drone production—highlights deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korea has denied involvement in the conflict, though independent verification of troop numbers remains limited.
Broader Context and Implications
The simultaneous announcements underscore Russia’s escalating efforts to sustain its war effort in Ukraine, despite mounting losses and international sanctions. The troop increase and foreign reinforcements signal a long-term commitment to the conflict, even as domestic and economic pressures mount.
Russia’s 2027 budget, expected to prioritize defense spending, will further reflect this strategic shift. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to monitor foreign military support to Moscow, which it views as a direct threat to its sovereignty.