Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday (September 18, 2025) at a meeting with the leaders of the country’s parliamentary groups that more than 700,000 Russian troops are currently on the front lines of the conflict in Ukraine.
He emphasized that this number constitutes almost half of Russia’s active duty forces.
Putin added during the meeting, which was dedicated to discussing the “Time of Heroes” program: “More than 700,000 people are stationed along the contact line, so we have to choose among them.”
He also announced that spending on the development of Russia’s defense industry is increasing, but these costs are not wasted and help strengthen the country’s military capabilities.
Putin’s remarks come as Russia focuses on a strategy of attrition in the Ukrainian war and claims that its forces are advancing on various fronts, including Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk.
