On 18/9, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with parliamentary leaders to discuss "Heroic Times," a program to train military personnel for public sector jobs after their service.

"Over 700,000 military personnel are deployed on the front lines, so we must select from among them. We need to choose those who are willing and suitable for this program," Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on 8/9. Photo: AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on 8/9. Photo: AFP

Russia rarely provides updates on the number of troops fighting in the Ukraine conflict. In 1/2024, Putin said about 600,000 soldiers were in the war zone.

During the meeting, Putin also mentioned increased Russian defense spending, emphasizing it wasn't being wasted. Both the defense industry and armed forces are undergoing significant qualitative changes.

Last September, Russia increased the size of its armed forces to 2.38 million, including 1.5 million active-duty personnel. Earlier this year, Putin signed a decree drafting 160,000 citizens for compulsory military service, the highest number in 14 years.

In addition to conscripts, Russia maintains a professional military force serving under long-term contracts, primarily in special units and high-tech forces, as well as participating in the Ukraine campaign.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that as of earlier this year, Ukraine had around 900,000 active-duty military personnel.

Huyen Le (According to RT, TASS)