MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a decree to increase the number of Russian armed forces to 2,389,130 units, including 1.5 million military personnel.

The new decree, published on the official website for legal information, will take effect from Dec 1, 2024.

ALSO READ: Russia warns of potential nuke reply to Western moves in Ukraine

Currently, the number of Russian armed forces is 2,209,130 units, including 1.32 million military personnel, according to the previous decree, signed by Putin in December 2023.

READ MORE: Russia says captured eight settlements in Donetsk region over past week

Meanwhile, the defense ministry said on Monday that the Russian armed forces had liberated the settlements of Uspenovka and Borki in the Kursk Region.

READ MORE: Iranian minister denies missile supply to Russia, slams Western sanctions

Russian armed forces also repelled "five enemy counterattacks" from various directions in the region on the same day, the ministry added.