Kremlin may call up inactive troops for Ukraine war - ISW

Against the backdrop of the exhaustion of volunteer resources for the war in Ukraine, Russia is likely preparing a secret mobilization of reservists.

ISW analysts noted that the new decree by the Russian leader on December 8 allows for the conscription of an unspecified number of reservists for compulsory service and military training in 2026.

Essence of the decree

The document, signed on December 8, does not limit the use of inactive reservists in combat operations.

This allows the Kremlin to draw on the strategic reserve to carry out various tasks during or after training exercises.

At the same time, the scale of an open mobilization remains uncertain, and analysts believe that the most likely approach will be a gradual recruitment of reservists on a continuous basis.

Possible consequences

Conscripting reservists will allow Russia to form troops with lower costs and partially demobilize soldiers who were mobilized in 2022.

However, this approach creates new political risks for the Russian authorities, as a covert mobilization could provoke public dissatisfaction and complicate the internal situation in the country.

Analysts’ assessment

The Institute for the Study of War emphasizes that the decree creates mechanisms for the covert involvement of reservists without making the process public.

At the same time, using inactive reservists can expand the Kremlin’s military capabilities, but it also increases the likelihood of political instability within the country.

Unidentified drones are attacking Moscow, causing several of the city’s airports to temporarily suspend operations. A red-level drone threat has been declared in the Moscow region, and reports of approaching drones began around 11:00 p.m.

Additionally, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the death of one of its service members in Ukraine: 28-year-old Junior Corporal of the Airborne Forces George Guly died on December 9 as a result of an accident.