Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the revival of military construction units, a formation that dates back to the Soviet era, according to a report from Polish defence outlet Defence24. The move is part of a broader effort to increase the size of the Russian armed forces.
Defence24 reports that the reinstated construction troops will support military infrastructure projects, freeing regular soldiers for combat roles. This decision follows a series of recent army expansions, with Putin having previously increased troop numbers by 25,000 personnel, as noted by Vietnamese outlet Vietnam.vn. Polish news sites WP Wiadomości and Wiadomości Onet also covered the development, highlighting that the reform is part of a recurring pattern of military growth under Putin.
The construction units, known as "stroybat" in Soviet times, were historically used for building barracks, roads, and other defence-related facilities. By reactivating them, the Russian leadership aims to bolster logistical capacity without drawing from frontline forces. The exact timeline for the units' full activation remains unclear, but the announcement signals a continued focus on military expansion amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Observers will watch for further details on how these units will be integrated into Russia's existing military structure and whether additional personnel increases will follow.
