Putin increases Russian troop numbers by 15%

​(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to increase the number of Russian troops by 15%. Some 170,000 people will be added in phases, bringing the total number of troops to 1,320,000.

The Ministry of Defence stated that the move was a response to increasing threats, including the expansion of NATO, BBC reported.

Russia is believed to have suffered heavy losses in the fighting in Ukraine, which has lasted for more than a year and a half, although it does not publish figures.

A statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence, published on the Kremlin's website, stated that the number would be gradually increased through recruitment, not through mobilisation or changes in conscription.

“The increase in the number of personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is being carried out in stages, based on citizens expressing a desire to serve in the military under contract,” it added.

The increase was explained by “the growth of the joint armed forces (NATO) near the borders of Russia” and threats associated with the “special military operation,” as Russia calls the war in Ukraine.

NATO recently expanded to include Finland, which shares a long border with Russia. Sweden has also applied to join. The alliance says Ukraine can join “when conditions are met.”