Putin's mobilization crisis deepening, Russia looking for new solutions - Intel
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia is facing growing difficulties in replenishing manpower for its war against Ukraine. Current recruitment rates are only partially offsetting the losses suffered by the occupying army on the battlefield, according to comments by Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense (HUR), during a conversation with journalists at the International Forum Architecture of Security.
According to him, recruitment campaigns and mobilization efforts in Russia have continued uninterrupted since the start of the full-scale invasion and remain ongoing.
"Recruitment efforts and mobilization measures in Russia have not stopped at any point during the full-scale invasion and continue today. Alongside attempts to attract foreign mercenaries, Russia is also seeking to expand its efforts in this area," Yusov said.
He noted that the need to bring in new personnel is primarily driven by the necessity to compensate for battlefield losses.
"Why do they need new people? The answer is obvious — they need to replace their losses. The scale of recruitment is barely enough to cover the losses sustained on the battlefield," the HUR representative explained.
According to Yusov, the personnel issue is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the occupying army.
"Without a doubt, this is an additional challenge for Putin and the occupation forces, and they are looking for ways to solve this problem. It is no longer enough to mobilize so-called 'convicts' and 'deadbeat fathers' alone. This crisis is deepening for Putin, and it is obvious that they will take additional measures," he added.
Russian losses and mobilization
Ukraine's Defense Forces have increased the pace at which they are eliminating Russian troops on the battlefield. According to RBC-Ukraine's sources, Russian losses currently amount to around 35,000 troops per month killed or seriously wounded. The publication's sources noted that approximately 60-62% of these losses are irreversible.
Among the main reasons for the growing losses is the more effective use of drones by Ukrainian forces. They enable strikes against Russian logistics, headquarters, troop concentrations, and key enemy supply and movement routes.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia plans to mobilize another 100,000 people and reinforce its forces along the Chernihiv and Kyiv directions.
According to the head of state, the Russian authorities are also tightening control over the information space, including by restricting the operation of social media platforms. In addition, he said that the Kremlin is considering five scenarios for expanding the war through Ukraine's northern direction.
