Putin Orders Significant Troop Increase

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a significant expansion of the Russian military by 180,000 troops, bringing the total to 1.5 million active-duty soldiers, in response to perceived threats from NATO. This expansion comes amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian forces are making incremental advances. The Biden administration is hesitant to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles deeper into Russia, citing potential risks and limited strategic benefits, while some NATO allies advocate for Ukraine's autonomy in using these weapons. U.S. officials have requested more detailed plans from Ukraine on how the long-range missiles would be used.