Fact Check: "Putin plans to expand Russia's Armed Forces to 2.4 million."
What We Know
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently ordered an increase in the number of troops in the Russian military by nearly 170,000, bringing the total active military personnel to approximately 1.32 million. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance Russia's military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine (AP News). The total number of military personnel, including reserves and other roles, is reported to be around 2.2 million (AP News).
Additionally, there are plans to further increase the military's size to 1.5 million active troops, which would contribute to a total personnel count nearing 2.4 million by December 2024 (Ukrainska Pravda). This increase is justified by the Russian Defense Ministry as a response to perceived threats from NATO and the ongoing military operations in Ukraine (AP News, CNN).
Analysis
The claim that Putin plans to expand Russia's Armed Forces to 2.4 million is partially true. While it is accurate that the Russian military is undergoing significant expansion, the current active troop count is set to reach 1.5 million, with total military personnel projected to be nearly 2.4 million by the end of 2024. This distinction is crucial: the figure of 2.4 million includes not just active troops but also reserves and other military roles (Ukrainska Pravda, The Hill).
The sources reporting on this expansion vary in reliability. The Associated Press and CNN are generally regarded as credible news organizations, providing well-sourced information. In contrast, some lesser-known outlets may have biases that affect their reporting. For instance, the information from Ukrainska Pravda is focused on Ukrainian perspectives and may emphasize certain narratives over others. However, the core data regarding troop numbers and military strategy appears consistent across multiple reputable sources (AP News, CNN, The Hill).
Conclusion
The claim that "Putin plans to expand Russia's Armed Forces to 2.4 million" is partially true. While there is a clear plan to increase the military's overall personnel count, the active troop count will reach 1.5 million, with the total personnel approaching 2.4 million by December 2024. The distinction between active and total personnel is significant in understanding the scope of this military expansion.
