Putin signs decree expanding Russian army by 15,500 troops

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the armed forces by 15,500 personnel to a total of 2.44 million.

• Putin signed the decree Monday, raising total armed forces personnel to 2.44 million, including 1.55 million military.
• The decree is the fourth army expansion this year; combined increases since March total 47,860 personnel.
• Ukraine accused Moscow of preparing a new military mobilization, which Putin rejected as "misinformation".
• Putin last announced a partial mobilization of reservists in 2022.