‘Complete Nonsense’: Putin Dismisses Mobilization Rumors
“It’s an information attack on Russia,” the president told reporters in his first remarks on the growing rumors of an impending draft.
President Vladimir Putin has firmly rejected mounting rumors that he plans to announce a new round of military mobilization following upcoming State Duma and regional elections. He dismissed the speculation as "complete nonsense," calling it an "information attack on Russia," according to his first comments on the matter. As Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, there have been renewed questions about whether Putin might resort to a potentially politically unpopular mobilization to bolster the military's manpower.
The Kremlin has consistently denied reports of an imminent draft, branding them as a foreign disinformation campaign. Ukrainian intelligence sources have warned that Russia is reportedly preparing to mobilize up to 600,000 men this year and another 600,000 in 2027. In September 2022, Putin initiated a "partial" mobilization of 300,000 reservists, a move that drew immediate criticism and resulted in a mass exodus of eligible men.
Since then, the Russian government has implemented legal changes reportedly aimed at preparations for another mobilization. These include transitioning to a digital draft registry with automatic travel bans, extending the draft processing period to year-round, and permitting reservists to be deployed to critical infrastructure without formal conscription.
However, some analysts caution that another large-scale mobilization would face significant logistical challenges and may not adequately address the current front-line situation. Despite these concerns, Putin's previous partial mobilization order remains in effect, which some interpret as an indication that he might not need to formally announce a new draft.
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office recently designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing its operations and threatening the safety of its staff. This comes after the outlet was previously labeled as a "foreign agent," a move the journalists at The Moscow Times insist is an attempt to stifle independent journalism in Russia.
The paper maintains that its mission is to provide unbiased, accurate reporting on Russia, and they assert that their work is intended to counter the Kremlin's narrative. They urge readers to support their independent journalism, even if the amount is small, emphasizing the critical role it plays in the face of repression.
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