Putin orders Russian army expansion to 1.55 million troops as Zelenskyy warns of more North Korean deployments

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday raising the number of active servicemen in the country's armed forces to 1.55 million — an increase of 15,500. Including reserves and support personnel, Russia's total armed forces will now reach 2,441,630. This marks the second such expansion after a similar order in August, coming as both Russia and Ukraine continue to suffer heavy losses in a war now in its fifth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X on Monday that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are already on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy another 10,000. Citing new intelligence, he said the troops were being selected for training ahead of deployment to Russia. Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un confirmed last year for the first time that Pyongyang had sent troops to fight alongside Russian forces, both describing the soldiers as "heroes". Ukrainian and South Korean estimates suggest North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 troops to Russia since 2024, most of them deployed in the Kursk region to help repel a Ukrainian incursion.

Explosions were heard in Kyiv early Tuesday as Russia continued its near-daily strikes. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said missile debris fell in a residential courtyard and a non-residential building caught fire elsewhere in the city. On Monday, Zelenskyy said nine people were killed and more than 80 injured in Russian drone strikes across the country, including in Kyiv.

Pope Leo urged Russia and Ukraine to sit down for dialogue, after earlier calling on European leaders to make concessions to end conflicts. NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich, said Russia's sabotage campaign in Europe was failing to weaken support for Ukraine, citing incidents such as an explosive-laden drone found at a German airport. Ukraine's prime minister, Sergiy Koretsky, said the government would postpone some spending, including reconstruction work, due to delays in foreign aid. Putin also ordered temporary administration of German retailer Metro AG's Russian assets. Separately, a Russian jet-powered drone struck a Ukrainian village near the Polish border, damaging a border checkpoint.