Russian Military 

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Latest news on Russia's military, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, covering the Russian army, the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces, the Strategic Rocket Forces and Airborne Troops, the Ukraine war, drones and missiles, nuclear weapons, defence spending, NATO, the Kremlin and the Defence Ministry.

The Russian Armed Forces are split into the Ground Forces, the Navy and the Aerospace Forces, with the Strategic Rocket Forces and Airborne Troops as independent arms. Presidential decrees have raised their authorised strength above 1.5 million service members, among the largest in the world. Russia also holds the world's largest stockpile of nuclear warheads, delivered by missiles, ballistic missile submarines and strategic bombers.

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched on 24 February 2022, has dominated Russia's army since, with fighting built around artillery, drones, glide bombs and long-range missile strikes. Ukraine in turn hits Russian bases, refineries and ships, and the Black Sea Fleet has suffered heavy losses. Recruitment, mobilisation, casualties, sanctions and rising defence spending are constant themes, while the war's economic strain is debated.

Moscow's military posture also shapes security in Europe and the Arctic. Relations with NATO, nuclear doctrine, new systems such as Sarmat and Oreshnik, and the end of New START arms control limits attract close attention. Key figures include Putin, Sergei Shoigu, Valery Gerasimov, Sergei Lavrov and Mikhail Mishustin, along with the GRU and SVR intelligence services. Russia's army has also operated in Syria and Africa.

Military service touches Russian society in many ways, from conscription and contract soldiers to veterans, families and the Victory Day parade in Moscow each 9 May. Defence industry names such as the S-400 air defence system and the Su-57 fighter feature often. The Wagner Group mutiny in 2023 showed how private armies and politics can collide, while drone attacks on Moscow, reported by mayor Sergei Sobyanin, and warship building in Saint Petersburg keep the capital and the shipyards in the news.

The modern force dates from 1992, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and has fought in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, Syria and Ukraine. Our NewsNow feed on the Russian military is constantly updated with the most relevant headlines from reliable sources. Whether you follow Russia military news, the Russian army, the navy or nuclear forces, this feed gives you comprehensive coverage.