Putin Raises Russian Military Strength to 2.44 Million Personnel

The order sets the total authorized strength at 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military members, replacing a June decree and adding around 50,000 positions since March.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by noting Russia's ongoing recruitment of foreigners and revealed intelligence on over 8,000 North Korean troops already in Russia, with 10,000 more preparing, in exchange for drone production aid.

 Russia also plans 17.1 trillion rubles ($202.58 billion) in defense spending for 2027 up 27 percent with total outlays over three years hitting 50 trillion amid a growing budget deficit.