Russia plans to increase its contingent in Ukraine to 800,000

Syrsky says Russia plans to sharply increase group in Ukraine

Russia intends to significantly increase its military presence in Ukraine - up to about 800 thousand military personnel. This was stated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky.

The Kremlin's plans for 2026

According to Syrsky, the Russian leadership expects to recruit more than 400 thousand contract workers to replenish the army.

According to the Ukrainian command, this indicates that Moscow is preparing for a prolonged war and possible expansion of the group.

What it means for the frontline

An increase in the number of Russian forces could:

• increase pressure in certain areas of the frontline,

• to allow the enemy to conduct large-scale offensive actions,

• complicate the rotation of Ukrainian units.

Context.

Over the past two years, Russia has been actively relying on contract recruitment and financial motivation of the military. The Ukrainian command has repeatedly warned of the Kremlin's intentions to build up human resources for a protracted war.