Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Sunday, the 3rd of September, that some 280 000 people have joined the Russian armed forces this year on a contract basis, according to the Ministry of Defence, reported Reuters citing state news agency TASS.
During a visit to the Russian Far East, Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, said he was working with local officials to strengthen the armed forces and that
280 000 people, including reservists, had been enlisted since the 1st of January.
Last year, Russia planned to increase combat personnel by more than 30% to 1.5 million soldiers.
Some lawmakers have proposed a professional army of 7 million, which would require a substantial budget.
In September 2022, President Putin proposed a “partial mobilisation” of 300 000 reservists, forcing many to leave Russia to avoid military service. Since then, Putin has stated that no further mobilisation is necessary.
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