The maximum size of the Russian armed forces has been increased by 170,000 and reached 1,320,000, the Defense Ministry said on Friday.
"In accordance with article 4 of the federal law of May 31, 1996… ‘On Defense’ I decide: to establish the staffing level of the armed forces of the Russian Federation in the amount of 2,209,130 units, including 1,320,000 military personnel," the Kremlin said in a statement.
The 15% increase in military personnel is due to the threats related to the special military operation and the ongoing expansion of NATO, the ministry added.
Russia has increased the size of armed forces thanks to people who voluntarily sign military contracts, according to the ministry.
"In this regard, there are no plans to significantly increase the conscription of citizens for compulsory military service. Mobilization is not planned," the statement read.
In February 2022, Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine, citing threats to the security of Donbass and the possibility of an impending full-scale invasion of the newly independent republics by Ukraine.