Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a decree that will lead to a 15% expansion of Russian troop numbers. The increase, totaling 170,000 additional personnel, will be implemented gradually through a recruitment drive, bringing the overall count to 1,320,000.

The decision, as stated by the defense ministry, is a response to heightened threats, including the perceived expansion of NATO. Despite sustaining undisclosed casualties in the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, Russia emphasized that the augmentation will occur through voluntary recruitment rather than mobilization or changes to conscription.

The move is attributed to the growing presence of NATO forces near Russia's borders and the perceived threats associated with Russia's described "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Nato has recently expanded to include Finland, which has a long border with Russia. Sweden has also applied to join.

The alliance says Ukraine can join "when conditions are met", though it has given no timeframe. Ukraine cannot join NATO while it is still at war with Russia.

Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for reinforcements and stronger defenses along the front line with Russia, as temperatures in the region fall below freezing.

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