Russia will increase the number of military personnel in its Armed Forces by 25,000 from August 1 under a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The document sets the total authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces at 2,426,130 positions, including 1,535,000 military personnel. The previous decree, issued on June 12, provided for 1,510,000 servicemen.

The increase is linked to the formation of military construction units.

Putin earlier said Russian forces would continue pursuing their objectives on the front in a consistent manner while seeking to minimize losses. He also expressed confidence that Russia’s special military operation would end in victory.

The operation in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Putin has said its purpose is to protect people subjected to humiliation and genocide by the Kiev authorities.

The Russian president described the launch of the operation as a forced and final response to threats to national security. He has also argued that the conflict in Ukraine began with a coup in which Russia played no part, although Western countries prefer not to acknowledge that fact.