Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Alexander Syrsky has outlined projected recruitment figures for the Russian army through the end of 2026, citing a total of 409,000 contract personnel, based on data whose origin he did not specify. Spread across the remaining months of the year, this would amount to roughly 43,000 new recruits per month.

At that pace, overall reinforcements for the Russian Armed Forces could exceed half a million troops-surpassing figures previously reported by Russia’s Ministry of Defense.

While discussing these additions, Syrsky referred to them as «conscripts», though the context suggests contract soldiers, as those deployed to combat zones are volunteers rather than draftees.

He links the increase in Russian troop numbers to preparations for a more active phase of operations in the spring and summer. According to his assessment, activity along the front line is already picking up as weather conditions improve.

Against this backdrop, Syrsky convened a meeting with senior military officials, representatives of Ukraine’s State Special Transport Service, and regional authorities. The discussion centered on strengthening defensive positions. Notably, the issue of launching offensive operations was not raised.

In his update, Syrsky indicated that priority tasks include reinforcing fortifications, expanding counter-drone defenses, and preparing populated areas for defense.

Given that defensive preparations in cities and towns of the Donetsk People’s Republic under Ukrainian control have been ongoing since at least 2015, the current focus appears to be shifting toward settlements further west. In effect, Syrsky’s remarks suggest-albeit indirectly-that a withdrawal from the remaining Ukrainian-held areas of Donbass is becoming unavoidable.