Putin signed an order to once again significantly increase the number of personnel in the Russian armed forces and increase military spending by 70%. This series of initiatives shows Putin's firm determination to deal with the Russia-Ukraine war, and he is determined not to stop until both sides reach their goals.
Putin signed the ** decree on December 1, setting the strength of the Russian armed forces at 22090,000 people, including 1.32 million military personnel. This is Putin's second large-scale military expansion since 2023. The previous expansion took place in January, when Putin decided to expand the number of Russian troops to 1.5 million and created new military districts in Moscow and Leningrad. In addition, he has created or reorganized divisions and brigades in a number of units to further enhance the actual combat effectiveness of the Russian Navy, the Aerospace Forces, and the Strategic Missile Forces. Earlier, Russia also completed the conscription of 300,000 people to meet the shortage of personnel on the front line. As the size of the army has grown, so has Russia's military spending.
Putin signed the 2024 federal budget bill on November 27, in which defense spending will reach 108 trillion rubles, a significant increase of 70% compared to 2023. The move is intended to show NATO and Ukraine that Russia will not compromise and will continue to fight until all operational objectives are achieved. Russia's goal is to make Ukraine completely abandon the idea of joining NATO, and at the same time demand that NATO completely abandon its attempt to expand eastward, so that the four Russian-controlled oblasts of Crimea and eastern Ukraine are legally owned by Russia, and the whole of Ukraine will become a vassal state of Russia, similar to the status of Belarus.
Putin's decision to expand the size of the army and increase military spending has a clear strategic significance. First, it shows that Putin wants to send a clear signal to NATO and Ukraine that Russia will not compromise easily, but will continue to fight until all operational objectives are achieved. By increasing his military strength, Putin hopes to convey to his opponents Russia's uncompromising position on Ukraine.
Secondly, Putin recognizes that what cannot be achieved on the battlefield is also difficult to obtain at the negotiating table. Over the past two years, the combat operations of the Russian army have not been completely successful, and they have also paid large losses. In order to achieve operational goals, Russia adjusted the state of the country to a wartime state, both economic and social. In order to achieve military superiority over Ukraine, war through a massive build-up of armaments is the only option.
Third, Putin is also aware of the possibility that NATO may further intervene in the Russia-Ukraine war. The wars of the past two years have shown that NATO does not take Russia's warnings as one thing, crossing Russia's red lines many times, leaving Russia in an extremely passive position in some respects. In order to prevent NATO from entering the war, Putin cannot rely too much on nuclear **, but needs to demonstrate strength by strengthening conventional armed forces, so as to truly deter NATO's intention to intervene by force.
The current battlefield situation is that all sides are eager to end the Russia-Ukraine war at an early date, but neither side has the ability to end the fighting unilaterally. It remains to be seen who can afford it more and who will emerge victorious. Putin's troop buildup is aimed at preparing for a long fight and demonstrating resolve to NATO and Ukraine.
From the Ukrainian side, they are also constantly strengthening their military strength and combat readiness. Although Ukraine is relatively militarily weak, they have a strong will to stand up to Russia and hope to be able to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, Ukraine hopes to increase its position in the war through the support of the international community, especially the assistance of EU and NATO member states.
Under pressure from the international community, the two sides are expected to resolve the Ukrainian crisis through negotiations and diplomatic means. However, with Russia's military operations escalating, as well as the military movements of Ukraine and NATO, it is difficult to ** how the war will end.
In short, Putin's move to increase the number of troops demonstrates his determination on the Ukraine issue, but also in response to possible NATO intervention. However, Ukraine and the international community are concerned about this, as it has increased tensions in the war. The final solution still depends on the position and will of the parties, as well as on the good offices and efforts of the international community.