Russian Defense Ministry officials explained in its press release that the expansion is due to growing threats to Russia related to the war against Ukraine and NATO expansion. The additional armed forces troops are expected to be staffed not by mobilization but by citizens who are ready to serve under contract.

Earlier this year, Russia announced plans to increase its military from just over 1 million to 1.5 million troops between 2023-2026. The plans include creating new military districts in Moscow and Leningrad and building up occupying forces in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.

Russia also intends to increase the number of training grounds available for practical troop exercises to complete the expansion.

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