Putin Signs Decree for Fourth 2026 Military Expansion as Zelensky Warns of North Korean Drone Exchange
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on September 28 increasing the authorized size of the Russian Armed Forces by 15,500 personnel, marking the fourth expansion of 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Moscow has already begun additional mobilization efforts, including the recruitment of foreign nationals. Zelensky reported that North Korea is preparing to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to Russia, where over 8,000 are already stationed, in exchange for technological assistance to produce Shahed-type attack drones. Zelensky called for intensified international sanctions to counter this expansion.
Key points
- Putin’s decree sets the total authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces at 2,441,630, with 1,550,500 active-duty personnel.
- Zelensky confirmed that Russia has initiated new mobilization measures following the September 21 parliamentary elections.
- Ukrainian intelligence indicates Russia plans to mobilize approximately 300,000 personnel in both 2026 and 2027.
- North Korea is preparing to send another 10,000 troops to Russia, adding to the existing contingent of over 8,000.
- Russia is providing technical assistance to North Korea to establish production lines for Shahed attack drones.
- Zelensky urged global partners to increase sanctions pressure to counter Moscow’s military expansion.
Background
This development follows earlier warnings in August 2026 that Russia might mobilize up to 300,000 additional troops to sustain its campaign in eastern Ukraine. Previous reports indicated Russia was relying on volunteer contracts to avoid a nationwide draft, but the current decree signals a shift toward formalized expansion. The move occurs amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including recent strikes on Kyiv.
How outlets are covering it
The Kyiv Independent and Ukrinform both report on Zelensky’s September 28 address, confirming the details of the new mobilization and the North Korean troop deployment. Both outlets cite the same figures for the increase in Russian military personnel and the exchange of technology for troops. The Telegraph source was inaccessible due to a security block, so no additional perspective from that outlet could be synthesized. Ukrainian officials emphasize the strategic threat of foreign recruitment, while Russian state media framed the decree as a routine adjustment to authorized strength.
Why it matters
The expansion of the Russian military and the deepening military cooperation with North Korea indicate a sustained escalation in the conflict. The transfer of drone technology to Pyongyang suggests a broader proliferation of weapons capabilities, potentially destabilizing other regions. For Ukraine, this necessitates increased defensive resources and international support to counter the growing manpower advantage of the Russian forces.
What to watch
Analysts expect Russia to continue recruiting to meet its 300,000 personnel target for 2026 and 2027. Ukraine will likely seek further air-defense systems and sanctions from Western allies to mitigate the impact of the expanded Russian force and the new North Korean drone production capabilities.
- Russia beginning 'additional mobilization' of troops, North Korean recruitment, Zelensky warns The Kyiv Independent
- Ukraine's Zelenskiy says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia Reuters
- ‘We will turn Putin’s new foot soldiers into stewed meat’ The Telegraph
- Zelenskyy Warns of New Russian Mobilization and 10,000 North Korean Troop Deployment Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
- Zelensky: Russia has already begun additional mobilization Ukrinform
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Read on The Kyiv Independent