Story perspectives

Putin Orders Russian Army Expansion to 1.55 Million

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 3:15 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian army to expand to 1.55 million active servicemen.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said over 8,000 North Korean troops are in Russia, with 10,000 planned.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported Kyiv explosions killed nine and injured over 80.
ArcelorMittal closed Ukraine’s largest steel plant in Kryvyi Rih after airstrikes killed five workers.
President Donald Trump announced Ukraine will get licenses to produce Patriot missile interceptors.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 Russo-Georgian war, ignited in August 2008, compelled Russia to station roughly 2,000 soldiers in South Ossetia, demonstrating aggressive territorial tactics. At NATO’s 2009 Prague Summit, the alliance pledged a 30 percent boost, adding 5,000 troops to Poland and the Baltic states to deter Russian expansion. Today, President Vladimir Putin orders Russia’s army to swell to 1.55 million troops, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports over 8,000 North Korean fighters deployed, mirroring past expansions. Consequently, Western leaders anticipate further arms approvals, exemplified by Donald Trump’s 2024 Patriot-interceptor license, potentially deepening the conflict’s intensity and geopolitical stakes.

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Story summary

President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian army to expand to 1.55 million active servicemen.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said over 8,000 North Korean troops are in Russia, with 10,000 planned.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported Kyiv explosions killed nine and injured over 80.
ArcelorMittal closed Ukraine’s largest steel plant in Kryvyi Rih after airstrikes killed five workers.
President Donald Trump announced Ukraine will get licenses to produce Patriot missile interceptors.

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