Russia planning to draft 409,000 troops in 2026 – Syrskyi

Russia plans to form at least 11 divisions this year and conscript 409,000 personnel.

This was stated by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, in an interview with LB.ua, Ukrinform reports.

“(Russian forces – ed.) plan to form at least 11 divisions and continue the plans and tasks that were not completed last year,” Syrskyi said.

He noted that Russia also intends to conscript 409,000 personnel.

According to him, the total mobilization potential of the aggressor exceeds 20 million people, of whom around 4.5 million are trained reserves that can be directly called up to replenish combat units.

At the same time, despite implementing mobilization plans – over 100% of the target in 2025 and the recruitment of about 406,000 personnel – the enemy has been unable to increase the size of its offensive grouping, Syrskyi emphasized. For almost half a year, it remained at roughly 711,000 servicemen.

“The enemy failed to increase it despite fulfilling all these plans because their losses were much higher – approximately 419,000 personnel. On one hand, this disrupted plans for active and effective offensive operations. On the other, it forced the enemy to break up units or deploy part of the strategic reserve. They planned to form 14 divisions but formed no more than half, and only partially. Resources went to replenishing losses,” Syrskyi said.

As previously reported, Syrskyi also said that Russia plans to significantly ramp up production to use up to 1,000 drones per day against Ukraine.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine