Putin denies fresh mobilization campaign in Ukraine war
The Russian president said there was no present need to mobilize more men, describing the reports as Ukrainian "disinformation." Putin was speaking during an economic forum in Russia's east.
President Vladimir Putin dismissed reports of a fresh mobilization campaign in Ukraine on Thursday, calling such speculation Ukrainian disinformation. In 2022, Putin authorized a partial mobilization of reservists following the invasion of Ukraine. This decision led to a mass exodus of men of draft age from Russia. The Kremlin has consistently denied plans for another mobilization.
During a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin stated that there is no scenario today that would necessitate mobilization, describing it as a disinformation campaign by the enemy aimed at influencing the outcome of the upcoming State Duma elections. He reiterated that Russia's people enlist voluntarily and sign contracts, and dismissed earlier speculations about mobilization as "utter nonsense" and an "information attack" against Russia.
Putin also expressed a willingness for peace talks with Ukraine, emphasizing that the resolution of the conflict must be decided by Moscow and Kyiv. He thanked countries mediating the conflict, including the US and China, but reiterated that the problem must be resolved by the two countries directly involved. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that his country's drones have made Russian airspace unsafe for airplanes.
In response, Russia's Transport Ministry provided clarifications to foreign airlines about Russian airports' and airspace safety measures.
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