Putin orders Russian army expansion to 1.55M troops, continuing post-2022 buildup

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase in the Russian armed forces' personnel strength to 1.55 million, marking the latest in a series of expansions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This move signals sustained military mobilization and a long-term commitment to high-intensity conflict, likely straining Russia's economy and manpower resources. The order underscores Moscow's intent to maintain a large standing army, with implications for NATO's force posture and European security.