Ukraine explains what awaits Russia if Putin orders new mobilization
Russian soldier (photo: Getty Images)
Rumors of a possible new mobilization campaign in Russia are gaining momentum again. Officials in Ukraine believe that even such a move would not allow the Kremlin to turn the tide on the battlefield, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
The expert says he had warned about the possibility of such a scenario as early as spring. In his view, even if Russia announces a new mobilization campaign this fall, it would only partially offset heavy personnel losses.
"Even if such a decision is made in the fall, Russia will only be plugging gaps at the front caused by heavy losses and recruitment levels that remain below the rate of casualties," he said.
The CCD head also stressed that a new mobilization campaign would not solve other problems of the Russian Federation. In particular, he said the country would continue losing facilities and resources as a result of Ukrainian strikes.
"In addition, if such a decision is made, the Russians will not have more fuel, and the Russian territory will continue to be systematically hit. And others should think carefully before helping Putin with this madness, because some could lose their entire economy in three to five days," he said.
Kovalenko believes the only way for Russia to avoid further deterioration of the situation is to end the war.
"Of course, it would be much better if Russia resolved the issue with Putin and ended the war. In such a case, the consequences for Russia would not be as severe as they could be in winter if the war continues," he concluded.
As previously reported, Russian independent outlet Vazhnye Istorii (Important Stories) said the flow of volunteers joining the Russian army has noticeably declined, including in regions that previously led in the number of contract recruits.
According to the outlet, amid personnel shortages, the Kremlin is considering various ways to replenish its forces, including a possible new wave of mobilization after the autumn State Duma elections.
