Russia Increases Armed Forces Strength by 27,000 to Form Military Construction Units

The Russian government has expanded the authorized strength of its armed forces by 27,000 personnel to establish dedicated military construction units, according to official statements reported by TASS. The move, outlined in a presidential decree signed by Vladimir Putin, brings the total size of the Russian armed forces to 2,426,130 people, including 1,535,000 service members.

Coverage Comparison

The reports from TASS, Russia's state-owned news agency, provide three angles on the same development. One article focuses on the executive order itself, noting that the overall number of personnel grew by 27,000, including 25,000 service members. Another emphasizes the formation of military construction units and their intended tasks. A third describes the specific functions of the newly created units.

All three reports attribute the information to official Russian government sources—either the Defense Ministry or the text of the presidential decree. The coverage does not contain any dissenting viewpoints or independent analysis.

Key Claims

  • Armed forces strength: The authorized size of the Russian armed forces has been set at 2,426,130 people, including 1,535,000 service members, according to the executive order reported by TASS. This represents an increase of 27,000 people, of whom 25,000 are service members.
  • Personnel cap for central office: The maximum number of personnel in the Russian Defense Ministry's central office has been set at 13,400, not including security guards and other auxiliary workers. Of these, 4,930 are to be civil servants, TASS reported, citing the decree.
  • Formation of military construction units: The authorized strength increase is intended for the phased formation of separate military construction units, as stated by the Russian Defense Ministry and reported by TASS. The ministry explained that changes in the composition and strength of the armed forces, as well as countering emerging threats, have increased the need for new military and military-social infrastructure facilities, and that specific requirements for construction work and security make it difficult for civilian contractors to complete their tasks.
  • Scope of work: The newly formed military construction units will construct priority and strategic facilities of the Russian Armed Forces throughout the country, according to a Defense Ministry statement carried by TASS. Army General Anatoly Grebenyuk, cited by TASS, specified that personnel will also be involved in developing military towns in remote garrisons and constructing major military infrastructure facilities where civilian access is restricted.
The decree came into force on August 1.