Russia wants to expand its occupying forces to 800,000: Army chief names Ukraine’s only option
Illustrative photo: Putin is increasing the size of the Russian army (Getty Images)
The Kremlin plans to recruit another 409,000 contract soldiers in 2026 and increase its grouping in Ukraine to 800,000 troops, states Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Read also: More regained than lost: Ukraine's army chief sums up winter battlefield results
Despite significant losses in manpower and equipment, Russia is not halting its offensive.
"Therefore, we have no other choice but to continue the fight and destroy the enemy," Syrskyi said.
He also informed his Dutch counterpart about the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s most urgent needs. First and foremost, these include air defense systems and various types of missile weapons.
How many troops Russia currently has
According to Syrskyi, more than 700,000 Russian troops are currently deployed against the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited the same figures.
Recently, the size of the aggressor’s army has fluctuated at roughly the same level — 710,000–711,000 personnel — despite mobilization plans being fulfilled at more than 100%.
The reason is simple: losses exceed reinforcements. In 2025, Russia recruited about 406,000 personnel but lost approximately 419,000, meaning there has been no real increase in the size of its grouping.
