00:00 Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a directive to escalate the nation's military
00:09 strength by nearly 170,000 troops, raising the total count to 1.32 million amidst the
00:14 prolonged war with Ukraine.
00:17 This decree, released by the Kremlin and immediately enacted, brings Russia's overall military
00:21 personnel to approximately 2.2 million, with 1.32 million active troops.
00:26 This recent expansion marks the second significant increase in troops since 2018.
00:31 The prior augmentation of 137,000 troops ordered by Putin in August 2022 elevated military
00:37 personnel to roughly 2 million, including around 1.15 million troops.
00:41 The defence ministry clarified that the directive doesn't signify a substantial rise in conscription,
00:46 but rather a gradual recruitment of volunteers.
00:49 They attributed this augmentation to their ongoing military actions in Ukraine and NATO's
00:53 expansion, framing it as a response to what they term as "aggressive activities" by the
00:58 NATO bloc.
00:59 In December last year, Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu underscored the necessity of
01:04 a force comprising 1.5 military personnel to ensure the country's safety and security,
01:09 but didn't specify a timeline for reaching this goal.
01:12 Initially considering its military size sufficient, Russia calibrated its stance following intense
01:17 Ukrainian resistance that quashed hopes of a swift victory over their neighbouring country.
01:22 Russia has launched various initiatives to bolster its armed forces, including a call
01:26 to increase military size in August 2022 and the mobilisation of 300,000 reservists the
01:31 following month, considered the part of the current military strength.
01:35 These efforts to recruit more soldiers span Russia's vast territory, including cash incentives,
01:40 cold calls by recruiters and collaborations with educational institutions and social agencies
01:44 to attract students and the unemployed.
01:46 Reports suggest additional measures such as amnesty for prisoners in exchange for military
01:50 service.
01:51 Drafts summoning 120,000 to 140,000 men twice annually for compulsory service persist despite
01:57 assurance that those conscripted are not deployed to Ukraine.
02:01 The casualties incurred by both Russian and Ukrainian militaries remain uncertain amid
02:05 the continuing hostilities.
02:06 While the Russian military confirmed just over 6,000 casualties, Western estimates suggest
02:12 figures significantly higher, with the UK's Defence Ministry citing potential permanent
02:16 casualties for Russia between 150,000 to 190,000 encompassing fatalities and enduring injuries.
02:24 Although in Russia mandatory military service applies to men aged 18 to 27, many are exempted
02:29 due to health reasons for deferments, especially in urban centres like Moscow.
02:34 Recently authorities raised the upper age for military compulsory service to 30, effective
02:38 January 1, 2023.
02:40 [Music]
02:42 (dramatic music)
02:45 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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