Russia raises troop numbers to 1.55m as Zelensky accuses mass mobilisation

The Russian military’s total strength now reportedly stands at 2,441,630 personnel (Photo: AP).Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order on Monday to raise the strength of Russian troops by 15,500, bringing the total number of active personnel to 1.55 million.The executive order doesn’t mention the reason for the increase, though such orders have been the norm since the war with Ukraine began in 2022.Kremlin had reportedly ordered a “partial” mobilisation of its reserve force in September 2022The Russian military’s total strength now stands at 2,441,630 personnel. The Moscow Times reported.ALSO READ: Pilot stabbed, blood in cockpit: Passengers recall harrowing ordeal on Flydubai flight that nearly crashedUkraine accuses Russia of new mass mobilisationMeanwhile, Ukraine has accused Russia of preparing for a new mass mobilization of troops after holding parliamentary elections last week.According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia has “in effect” initiated the process of accelerating the recruitment of troops “through various means.”However, he did not provide any details.The Russian military reportedly added 52,500 new positions, mostly active-duty military slots rather than civilian support staff. The Moscow Times reported, citing exiled news agency Meduza.However, Moscow has dismissed the mobilisation claims as "disinformation".According to military experts quoted by The MT, the Kremlin is less likely to issue a new draft order like in september 2022 as its “partial” mobilisation already remains in effect. Others have warned that another mass mobilisation could fail to address logistical hurdles and frontline challenges