Putin orders Russian army to become second largest after China’s at 1.5 million-strong

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian army to increase its size by 180,000 troops, making it the second largest military in the world after China. This decision comes as Russian forces continue to push forward in eastern Ukraine. Putin has previously ordered two official increases in combat troops since the conflict began in 2022. The Kremlin has mobilized over 300,000 soldiers in exercises, causing draft-age men to flee the country. Experts question whether Russia can afford this increase in troops and suggest possible ways to meet the new requirements, such as expanding the draft or allowing more women to serve in the military.