Fact Check: Russia could mobilize 1.5 million soldiers by 2026.

Fact Check: "Russia could mobilize 1.5 million soldiers by 2026."

What We Know

Recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin indicate a significant increase in the size of the Russian military. On September 16, 2024, Putin ordered the military to boost its troop numbers by 180,000, aiming for a total of 1.5 million active-duty soldiers by 2026. This order is part of a broader strategy to expand the overall military personnel to approximately 2.4 million, which includes various branches of the armed forces (AP News, Reuters).

The Russian military has faced substantial losses during its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting the need for increased personnel. Estimates of Russian military casualties vary, with some sources suggesting that losses could be as high as 500,000, including killed, wounded, and captured (How Russia Is Recruiting). The Kremlin's plan to increase troop numbers reflects an ongoing effort to maintain military capability amidst these losses and to prepare for a prolonged confrontation with Western powers.

Analysis

The claim that Russia could mobilize 1.5 million soldiers by 2026 is supported by several credible sources. The official decree from Putin, which outlines the increase in troop numbers, has been reported by multiple news outlets, including the Associated Press and Reuters. These reports confirm that the Russian Defense Ministry is actively working towards this goal, indicating a structured approach to military expansion.

However, while the decree and plans are in place, the actual mobilization of such a large number of soldiers will depend on various factors, including recruitment success, public sentiment, and the ongoing military situation in Ukraine. The Kremlin has previously faced challenges with mobilization, particularly following the unpopular partial mobilization in 2022, which led to significant public unrest and emigration (How Russia Is Recruiting).

Moreover, the credibility of the sources reporting on this issue is generally high, as they include established news organizations and expert analyses. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, especially from sources that may have political motivations or perspectives regarding the conflict.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Russia could mobilize 1.5 million soldiers by 2026 is substantiated by official orders from President Putin and corroborated by multiple reliable news sources. The Russian government's commitment to this military expansion is clear, although the practical execution of this plan will depend on various internal and external factors.

Fact Check: Russia could mobilize 1.5 million soldiers by 2026.