Russia planning to conscript 409,000 troops in 2026

Soldiers of the Russian army (Photo: REUTERS/Alexey Pavlishak) Russia plans to recruit another 409,000 troops in 2026 as it continues preparing for further aggression against Ukraine, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 19. “Enemy activity on the front is increasing with improving weather conditions,” said Syrskyi.He held an operational meeting focused on the state of engineering equipment on defensive lines, where key priorities include strengthening fortifications, developing anti-drone protection and preparing settlements for defense. In February, Syrskyi reported that Russian army losses in 2025 for the first time exceeded the number of new recruits conscripted. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said one of the tasks set by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to eliminate 50,000 Russians per month.On March 10, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence obtained important Russian documents assessing battlefield losses. They showed a shift in the ratio of killed to wounded — from 100% losses, 62% were fatalities and 38% wounded. Zelenskyy also reported that Russia conscripts 40,000–45,000 people monthly.“We must eliminate roughly the same number of troops so that the Russian army doesn’t grow in size. Eliminate them simply so that Russia cannot expand its aggression,” he told The New York Post. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News

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