Russian authorities have no intention of announcing a new mobilization call-up, The Guardian reported, citing two sources familiar with discussions in Moscow. According to them, there are "no signs" that Vladimir Putin has decided to order a new mass mobilization. An unnamed senior Western official gave a similar assessment to the newspaper.
Sources familiar with the Kremlin's position said Russian authorities currently prefer to increase the number of volunteers signing contracts with the Defense Ministry rather than conduct a forced draft. This approach avoids the political risks associated with mobilization.
However, recruiting contract soldiers is facing difficulties. An employee of an organization involved in attracting servicemen in one of Russia's central regions told The Guardian that the company must send 20 to 30 men to the war every month. Bonuses are paid for exceeding the target, while fines are imposed for failing to meet it. "Last year it was easier. Now it's getting harder," the source said. According to him, the possibility of a new mobilization is indeed being discussed within the organization, but no orders to begin it have been received.
Earlier, The Financial Times (FT) reported that the Kremlin and the Defense Ministry had demanded regional authorities ensure the recruitment of contract servicemen in line with a 2026 plan that envisages attracting 409,000 people. According to FT, Moscow's pressure on regions has increased, which sources link to Putin's desire to avoid a new mobilization campaign.
In various parts of Russia, cases of forced recruitment of men from socially vulnerable groups have increased. They are detained during street raids and forced to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry. According to The Moscow Times, the situation is most acute in the Penza region, where residents have begun forming groups to counter recruiters. Forced recruitment of men into the army has also been reported in the Omsk, Ulyanovsk, and several other regions.