Why has Putin added 15,000 new soldiers to Russia’s army?

Key Points:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase of 15,500 military personnel, marking the fourth expansion of Russia’s armed forces this year and raising the total authorized strength to 2,441,630 units, including 1,550,500 military personnel.
• The Kremlin has not specified reasons for the expansion, but analysts suggest it is a technical adjustment amid stalled battlefield advances, heavy Russian losses, and ongoing reliance on drones and long-range strikes in the Ukraine conflict.
• Ukraine accuses Russia of preparing further mobilization and deploying foreign troops, including thousands from North Korea, though Russia denies these claims; meanwhile, fighting continues with Russia intensifying aerial attacks and Ukraine making limited territorial gains in Donetsk.
• Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with Russia demanding territorial concessions and Ukraine refusing, while the US seeks to facilitate technical-level talks; experts say a diplomatic solution is unlikely as Russia aims to improve its position through military force and hybrid tactics.
• Analysts view the conflict as entering a new escalation phase, with Russia focusing on crippling Ukraine’s economy and infrastructure via missile and drone strikes to undermine Western support, while a proposed energy truce has failed to halt ongoing hostilities.