In the temporarily occupied Crimea, military registration and enlistment offices have begun openly warning the population of a possible new mobilisation. The Kremlin is considering a scenario involving the launch of mobilisation measures following the State Duma elections.
- Reports are emerging from Crimea that preparations are underway for a new mobilisation.
- Military recruitment offices are warning the public about a possible call-up.
- The Kremlin may postpone its decision until the State Duma elections are over.
- There is currently no official confirmation of a new wave of mobilisation.
What is known about a possible mobilisation?
According to information circulating amongst residents of occupied Crimea, staff at Russian military registration and enlistment offices are reportedly warning of preparations for a new wave mobilisations. According to these reports, the Kremlin does not wish to announce a mobilisation until the State Duma elections are over, in order to avoid a negative public reaction during the election campaign.
At the same time, Russian and Ukrainian media, citing sources within the Russian President’s administration, report that the Kremlin is indeed discussing various options for bolstering the army, including a new mobilisation following the September elections. However, the sources emphasise that no final decision has yet been taken.
Why might Russia take such a step?
According to Ukrmedia.news, the Russian authorities are facing a slowdown in the recruitment of contract soldiers and significant losses on the front line. As a result, the Kremlin is reportedly considering additional measures to bolster its troops. Some sources claim that preparatory measures have been underway for several months, although they may not officially be referred to as “mobilisation”. It has also been reported that preparation of training grounds with a view to potentially training new recruits in the autumn.
Why it matters
A new wave of mobilisation would be the first large-scale campaign since the partial mobilisation of 2022, which sparked significant public discontent and a mass exodus of Russians abroad. At present, information regarding the launch of mobilisation after the elections is based on reports from sources familiar with internal discussions in the Kremlin and has not been officially confirmed. For this reason, such reports should be treated as a possible scenario rather than a decision that has already been taken.
