Putin Signs New Decree Expanding Russia’s Armed Forces to More Than 2.4 Million

September 29, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a presidential decree on September 28 increasing the authorized size of Russia’s armed forces once again. According to reports, the new decree raises the authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces to more than 2.4 million personnel, including about 1.55 million active-duty servicemen. The move represents the latest in a series of adjustments to Russia’s military establishment this year.

The latest increase is not equivalent to a new large-scale mobilization. Reports indicate that the number of active-duty military personnel authorized under the decree is being increased by roughly 15,500. The change follows several earlier adjustments in 2026, including decrees issued in March, June and July. In July, Russia raised the authorized strength of its armed forces to 2.426 million personnel, including 1.535 million servicemen.

Repeated Adjustments to Russia’s Military Establishment

Russia has steadily increased the authorized size of its armed forces in recent years. A decree issued on March 4, 2026, set the authorized strength at 2.39177 million personnel, including 1.50264 million military personnel. On June 12, the military component was increased to 1.51 million, followed by another increase in July to 1.535 million. The September decree marks another adjustment to the force structure.

It is important to distinguish between an increase in authorized personnel and the actual number of newly recruited soldiers. An authorized staffing level determines the size of the military establishment, while the number of personnel actually serving depends on recruitment, contract enlistment, training and the creation of new units.

Part of a Broader Military-Building Effort

Russia’s continuing adjustments to military manpower have been closely watched in the context of the war in Ukraine and Moscow’s broader military reforms. Analysts have linked previous increases to the creation and expansion of military districts, formations and subordinate units. The increases made in 2026 have generally been smaller than the major expansions seen earlier in the war.

At the same time, Russia is increasing military expenditure. Reuters reported on September 28 that Russia plans to raise defense spending to 17.1 trillion rubles in 2027, about 27% higher than the previously budgeted figure. Defense spending over the next three years is projected to total roughly 50 trillion rubles.

The Ukraine War Remains a Major Context

The latest decree comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues. Moscow continues to emphasize national security and military preparedness, while Ukraine and its Western partners closely monitor changes in Russia’s military manpower and defense spending.

However, the decree should not automatically be interpreted as the launch of another nationwide mass mobilization. Russian authorities have repeatedly rejected claims that a new large-scale mobilization is imminent.

From a longer-term perspective, the repeated increases in Russia’s authorized military strength form part of a broader restructuring of the country’s armed forces. Since 2022, Moscow has repeatedly expanded authorized troop levels, reflecting both wartime personnel requirements and longer-term plans for military organization and force development.

The latest decree therefore provides another indication that Russia continues to allocate additional human resources to its defense establishment. Its eventual impact on the battlefield will depend on actual recruitment, the formation of new units, personnel deployment and developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.