Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree providing for the conscription of 261,000 new conscripts over the course of 2026.

The decision is part of the ongoing strengthening of Russia’s armed forces, at a time when Moscow is maintaining high rates of troop replenishment due to the war in Ukraine and the broader militarization of the Russian economy and society.

Russia traditionally carries out two conscription cycles each year, in the spring and in the autumn. In recent years, however, the numbers have been steadily increasing, reflecting heightened operational needs and losses on the front lines.

The signing of the decree by Vladimir Putin confirms that the Kremlin is planning on a long-term horizon, taking the continuation of the war into and beyond 2026 as a given.