Size of Russian army increased to 2.39 million people by Putin's decree

10:26, 17 сентября 2024, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Baktygul OSMONALIEVA

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the staff size of the Armed Forces to 2,389,130 people, including 1.5 million military personnel. The document was published on the portal of legal acts and will come into force on December 1, 2024.

The staff size of military personnel is increased by 180,000 people.

In addition to career military personnel, the Russian Armed Forces also include civilian personnel: cooks, drivers, psychologists and medical workers.

Last time the Russian president increased the size of the army was in December 2023 — by 170,000 people to 2,209 million. This number included 1,320 million military personnel. The Kremlin explained the increase in the army by the «proxy war» of the West.

According to the Ministry of Defense, 2 armies and 50 new units were formed in the Russian Armed Forces in 2023.