Russia's military expansion plan faces serious staffing doubts - ISW
Photo: Russia plans new brigades and divisions, but doubts remain over their readiness (Getty Images)
Russia plans to establish new military units in 2026, but questions remain over whether they can be fully staffed, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.
Russia's new military plans
ISW analysts believe the Russian military command continues to create new formations largely on paper. According to their assessment, it remains unclear whether Russia will be able to recruit enough personnel to bring these units up to their authorized strength.
On June 25, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the Russian military command had "adjusted its plans" and intends to form an unspecified number of new divisions and five new brigades in 2026.
At the same time, ISW noted that it is still unclear whether this refers to additional units or simply the continuation of military reforms Russia first announced at the end of 2022.
What reforms are being discussed
In December 2022, then-Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to establish 17 new maneuver divisions. The reforms also included expanding five naval infantry brigades into divisions.
Russian authorities later said these plans would be implemented between 2023 and 2026.
What analysts say
According to ISW, several factors could hinder the implementation of these plans:
- Russia's infantry-heavy battlefield tactics;
- Ongoing recruitment problems;
- Economic constraints.
Because of these challenges, analysts believe Russia will struggle to staff the new units after they are formed fully.
Meanwhile, as previously reported by RBC-Ukraine, officials in the Kremlin have begun discussing the possibility of a new mobilization due to manpower shortages. Those remarks came amid growing difficulties in replenishing military personnel.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine also reported that members of Russia's State Duma warned of mounting economic risks, saying the country could face serious challenges in the near future.
