Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on December 1 to increase the country’s military strength by 15 percent, increasing Russia’s military strength by about 170,000.

Russia and Ukraine are both seeking to replenish their troops after months of a stalemate on the front lines.

The Russian military said the buildup of its standing forces was due to “growing threats to our country in the wake of special military operations and the continued expansion of NATO” and was an “appropriate” response to “NATO’s aggressive activities”.

He said there were no plans to change conscription or implement any new conscription measures after last year’s unpopular mobilization led many men to flee the country.

Instead, the Russian military has intensified its recruitment drive in recent months, focusing on remote areas with the promise of high salaries.

But opposition groups have criticised the move as a “hidden” mobilisation, saying men continue to be mobilised sporadically.