Moscow's defence ministry confirmed on Thursday that 15,000 new soldiers have been added to the Russian armed forces. The recruitment drive is being presented as a response to the need to restore manpower levels after sustained losses in the war in Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera.
The new intake includes both conscripts and contract volunteers, with the ministry highlighting increased incentives such as higher pay and housing benefits to attract candidates. Officials noted that the numbers reflect an effort to meet the annual recruitment targets set by the General Staff, which have been difficult to achieve in recent years due to demographic trends and a decline in voluntary enlistments.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera suggest that the reinforcement aims to sustain offensive operations and secure defensive positions along the front lines, where casualty reports have indicated a steady rise. The timing also coincides with a period of intensified sanctions on Russia, prompting the government to demonstrate domestic resilience and military readiness.
The recruitment announcement follows a series of policy adjustments, including the extension of service periods for certain categories of soldiers and the introduction of accelerated training programmes. Military officials indicated that the added personnel will undergo a condensed preparation schedule before deployment to active units.
While the Kremlin has not provided detailed projections of how the new soldiers will be allocated, the move underscores a continued emphasis on bolstering the armed forces despite economic pressures and international isolation. The development will be monitored for its impact on the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's broader security posture.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/29/why-has-putin-added-15000-new-soldiers-to-russias-army?traffic_source=rss.