"Russia Enlists Record-Breaking 280,000 for Contract Military Service in 2021 - Medvedev"

Russia has signed up approximately 280,000 individuals for professional service in the military this year, according to Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of the Russian Security Council. The country aims to expand its combat personnel by over 30% to 1.5 million, but faces challenges due to undisclosed casualties in the conflict with Ukraine. Some lawmakers have proposed a professional army of 7 million, which would require a significant budget allocation. In September 2022, President Vladimir Putin ordered a "partial mobilization" of 300,000 reservists, leading many to flee the country to avoid being sent to fight. Putin has stated that there is no need for further mobilization.