Vladimir Putin has ordered another expansion of Russia's armed forces, the fourth this year, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Moscow is preparing to deploy North Korean troops.
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Key facts
- Putin has signed a decree expanding Russia's military staffing levels.
- The move marks the fourth increase in Russia's military staffing this year, according to CNBC.
- Al Jazeera reports the expansion adds 15,000 new soldiers to Russia's army.
- Zelenskyy has warned Russia is preparing to deploy 10,000 North Korean troops.
- The war in Ukraine is continuing into its fifth winter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered another expansion of the country’s armed forces as the war in Ukraine continues into a fifth winter, according to reporting from CNBC and Al Jazeera.
CNBC reported that the decree marks the fourth increase in Russia’s military staffing levels this year. Al Jazeera reported that the move adds 15,000 new soldiers to Russia’s army.
The repeated expansions come as the conflict in Ukraine appears to have stalled. Al Jazeera described the latest increase as the fourth military expansion this year, noting that Russia’s war effort seemingly remains stuck.
Alongside the news of the expansion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing to deploy 10,000 North Korean troops, a claim that points to continued cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The successive staffing increases suggest sustained pressure on Russia’s manpower as the war extends into another winter, with both outlets framing the decree as part of an ongoing pattern of expansion through the year.
Why it matters
Repeated expansions of Russia's military point to the enduring scale and cost of the war in Ukraine as it enters a fifth winter. Warnings of North Korean troop involvement raise the prospect of deeper international entanglement in the conflict.
Frequently asked questions
How many soldiers is Russia adding to its army?
Al Jazeera reports the latest expansion adds 15,000 new soldiers to Russia's army.
How many times has Russia expanded its military this year?
According to CNBC, the decree marks the fourth increase in Russia's military staffing levels this year.
What has Zelenskyy warned about North Korean troops?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing to deploy 10,000 North Korean troops.
Timeline
- Why has Putin added 15,000 new soldiers to Russia’s army?
Al Jazeera: The move marks the fourth military expansion this year as Russia's war in Ukraine seemingly stalls.
- Putin orders army expansion as Zelenskyy warns Russia preparing to deploy 10,000 North Korean troops
CNBC Top News: The decree marks the fourth increase in Russia’s military staffing levels this year as the war in Ukraine continues into a fifth winter.