The cold wind is howling, and on December 1, Russia's ** Putin announced a surprising decision - to expand the army by 170,000, and the total number of troops will soar to about 1.32 million, an increase of a full 15%. This move has aroused widespread attention from the international community, and has also sparked countless speculations and discussions.
According to documents released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, this ambitious arms increase will be implemented in stages, with a predominantly contract military force rather than compulsory military service. The Russian side made it clear that this was not a rash move, but an "appropriate" response in the face of the dual pressures of the Russia-Ukraine war and NATO's continued expansion. NATO's build-up on Russia's borders and even the strengthening of the deployment of nuclear forces pose a serious threat to Russia.
Perhaps, this is also the second expansion of Russia's military since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Recall that on August 25, 2022, Putin signed a decree increasing the staffing of the armed forces from 1,902,758 to 2,039,758, an increase of 1370,000 people, military personnel increased by 125%。And now, what kind of considerations and strategies are hidden behind the re-expansion of the army?
At this critical juncture, Russia and Ukraine are fighting a fierce battle for the strategic commanding heights. Ukraine is in a difficult situation due to heavy losses and at the same time a lack of Western assistance. Russia's decision to expand its military may play a decisive role in the war, accelerate the rout of Ukraine, and strive for greater interests for Russia.
It is worth noting that the Russian side emphasized the contract orientation of the military expansion plan rather than compulsory conscription. Does this decision imply an uncertainty and risk assessment of Putin's domestic situation?Or is it to send a message of "self-defence, not aggression" to the international community?
It is undeniable that Putin's decisiveness in decision-making may be a profound insight into the international landscape. NATO's military buildup and nuclear build-up pose a threat to Russia that cannot be ignored. The expansion of the armed forces is not only a gesture to the outside world, but also a product of the interweaving of complex domestic political and socio-economic factors.
At the moment when Putin announced the expansion of the army, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev revealed that in the period from January 1 to December 1, 2023 alone, there were more than 4520,000 recruits joined the combined forces of the Russian army. This figure makes people can't help but be shocked by the sheer size of Russia's military power, and it also makes us think about what kind of tests and challenges these young faces will go through in the face of the smoke of war
Perhaps, in addition to being a response to external threats, this military expansion is also a strong statement of internal social unity. In the face of the coming war, Russia needs a stronger national defense force, as well as the unity and support of its citizens. This is not just a military operation, but a self-adjustment and rejuvenation of the whole country for the future.
In general, Putin's decision, although it caused an international uproar, may also be an inevitable move taken by Russia for its own interests and stability. Under the dark clouds of this war, the fate of the country is intertwined on the shoulders of every soldier, and it also profoundly reflects the political wisdom and historical responsibility of the country's leaders. May Russia be stronger in peace when the smoke of this war clears.