Kremlin reportedly eyes escalating mobilization as war prolongs
Photo: Russia is considering a new wave of open mobilization (Getty Images)
Russia is preparing a new mobilization of up to 300,000 people if the Kremlin decides to continue the war against Ukraine for another year or two. However, a final decision has not yet been made, according to the RBC-Ukraine article.
"This is one of the scenarios they are considering if they decide to continue the war for another one or two years," Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, explains.
Another source tells the agency that such a decision has not yet been made in Moscow, but all the necessary procedures and processes are in place. First and foremost, there is already a mobilization decree in effect, which Russian dictator Vladimir Putin relied on in the fall of 2022.
"Russians have plans for broader mobilization if such a necessity arises, and they are ready for this. This new wave of mobilization could involve, for example, a draft of 300 thousand people, as it was in 2022," one of RBC-Ukraine’s sources says.
According to the source’s assessment, this "would have a serious negative impact on the economic situation in Russia."
Mobilization in Russia
Russian authorities are increasingly resorting to covert forced mobilization measures amid massive battlefield losses and low recruitment rates.
According to intelligence reports, regional and municipal executive authorities in the Russian Federation have received instructions to compile so-called volunteer lists for deployment to the war. These lists primarily include individuals with outstanding debts for housing and utility services.
The Russian minister also ordered that at least 2% of students be prepared to sign contracts.
In addition, in one of Russia’s regions, the governor has required medium and large enterprises to independently select employees to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Meanwhile, former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev asserts that there is no need whatsoever for a new wave of mobilization in Russia.
