The Kremlin is discussing the possibility of introducing martial law, or certain elements thereof, following the State Duma elections, reports «Verstka», citing sources within the federal and regional authorities. According to the publication, the initiative is supported by certain security officials. Possible consequences cited include total censorship, a curfew and restrictions on movement; sources are considering a new wave of mobilisation as a separate possible option for bolstering the army.
Briefly about the main points
- According to «Verska», the security forces are pushing for martial law to be imposed after the elections.
- These decisions may be linked to setbacks on the front line or a shortage of recruits.
- Martial law may allow for censorship, a curfew and restrictions on movement.
- Sources at the publication say that a decision on a new mobilisation has not yet been taken.
- Regions are stepping up their recruitment campaigns for contract soldiers by offering higher pay.
What scenario is being discussed in the Kremlin?
Several sources spoken to by *Versta* within federal and regional authorities, as well as within the leadership of one of the opposition factions in the Duma, do not rule out the imposition of martial law or parts thereof following the September elections. Under the federal legislation of the Russian Federation, a presidential decree specifying the date and time when the regime comes into force is sufficient for this purpose. There is no time limit on its duration, and it may also be revoked by presidential decree.
According to two political strategists working with the Kremlin, this option is supported by some security officials. They believe that the Russian authorities should stop «fussing about» with the population and «wage war with the whole country». One of them suggested that a serious incident could act as a trigger a setback on the front line or a sharp decline in the number of people enlisting in the army.
A source within the leadership of one of the Duma factions told the publication that the country’s situation is becoming increasingly serious and that «without drastic measures, it may not be possible to stabilise it». At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility that there might not be a separate decree, as the authorities are trying to maintain a sense among the majority of citizens that they are not directly involved in the war.
What restrictions does martial law entail?
The formal introduction of this regime would mean more direct state control. The article in «Versky» lists potential measures including the suspension of the activities of political parties and civil society organisations, a ban on mass demonstrations, the cancellation of elections, total censorship, a curfew and restrictions on citizens’ freedom of movement.
The authorities may also conscript civilians and requisition their property for defence-related work. Some of these mechanisms, as the publication notes, are already effectively in place: in particular, Russia imposes military censorship on information that contradicts the official position of the Ministry of Defence.
Martial law is currently in force in four parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian troops — in the so-called «DPR» and «LPR», as well as in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Mobilisation remains one of the options
«Verstka» and «Vazhnye Istorii» previously reported that in the spring of 2026, the influx of new contract soldiers had fallen sharply. According to estimates by Janis Klug, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, in the first quarter the Russian Ministry of Defence was recruiting 800–1,000 contract soldiers per day — approximately 20% fewer than a year earlier. Against this backdrop, sources indicate that the Russian authorities are considering a new wave of mobilisation as one option for replenishing the army.
Eight interviewees who work with the Russian President’s administration, as well as sources within the military registration and enlistment offices and a source close to the FSB, have heard about the likelihood of mobilisation in the autumn. They all emphasise that no final decision has been made.
At the same time, the regions have stepped up their recruitment of contract soldiers. In the Novosibirsk region, according to «Versta», those signing up by 31 July are being offered a one-off payment of 2.9 million roubles and a monthly allowance of 224,000 roubles. A source in the regional government attributed this to low recruitment figures and the requirement to meet the target by August.
Control over society may be tightened following the elections
The article in *Verstka* outlines a wider range of possible measures that Russian officials, experts and political circles are discussing in the wake of the election. These include further tightening of repressive legislation, controls on financial assets held abroad, and new travel restrictions for certain categories of citizens.
Notice regarding the introduction of general field visits The Kremlin has not confirmed the proposal for all Russians. Sources close to the presidential administration and the leadership of the State Duma told *Verstka* that they were unaware of any such initiative. At the same time, they do not rule out the possibility of additional rules for certain categories, in particular employees of strategic enterprises.
The publication’s sources also claim that Roskomnadzor will continue to restrict certain VPN services and put pressure on app stores, although, according to them, the idea of charging for international data traffic and a legislative ban on VPNs has been abandoned due to technical difficulties.
Elections as a political constraint on unpopular decisions
The Kremlin has repeatedly taken unpopular decisions following elections or at times when public attention has been diverted away from politics. Among such examples, the publication cites the monetisation of benefits in 2004 and the announcement of an increase in the retirement age on the opening day of the 2018 World Cup.
In 2026, the indexation of housing and utilities tariffs, which usually takes place on 1 July, has been postponed to 1 October — after the State Duma elections. At the same time, the article mentions possible cuts to benefits, new charges and tighter tax controls against the backdrop of a federal budget deficit and the prioritisation of defence spending.
