Russia is unlikely to be able to increase the size of its army, despite large-scale mobilization efforts and persistent propaganda claims by the Kremlin. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, states that constant losses prevent Russia from expanding its forces even after formally fulfilling its mobilization plans, according to Channel 24.
The total number of Russian occupying troops in Ukraine has stabilized at 710,000–711,000 personnel, a figure that has remained unchanged for several months.
406,000 mobilized, while over 410,000 lost
According to Syrskyi, Russia itself claims that it fulfilled its army recruitment plan by 100% in 2025, mobilizing 406,000 people.
However, battlefield realities tell a different story: Russian losses during the same period exceeded 410,000 occupiers.
“We can state that even the full implementation of their mobilization plans does not allow them to increase the size of their forces,” Syrskyi stressed.
In the first months of 2025, Russian troop numbers continued to grow by 7,000–9,000 per month, but this trend later subsided. For the past six months, the size of Russia’s army has remained largely unchanged.
Drone warfare and a new technological phase
At the same time, Syrskyi notes that the war has entered a fundamentally new phase.
“Drones of all types now dominate the battlefield,” he says.
Not only has the number of drones increased, but their quality has also improved, along with the role of specialized drone units.
Russia is forming new battalions, regiments, and brigades, but Ukraine has responded by strengthening its Unmanned Systems Forces, resulting in a direct impact on the form of increased Russian losses.
The Ukrainian commander-in-chief also highlighted the launch of a corps-level command system, which has made Ukrainian forces more controllable and effective on the battlefield.
1,000–1,100 daily casualties and a 6-to-1 loss ratio against Russia
According to Ukrainian military assessments, average daily Russian losses amount to 1,000–1,100 personnel.
The loss ratio is particularly devastating for Russia.
“The Russians lose approximately six times more soldiers than Ukraine does. This ratio applies specifically to fatalities,” Syrskyi emphasizes.
These figures, he explained, clearly show why the Kremlin is unable to accumulate new forces for a strategic breakthrough at the front, despite mass mobilization, financial incentives, and pressure on the population.
