Alexei Zhuravlyov, deputy chair of Russia’s State Duma Defense Committee, has called on Russia’s male population to prepare for potential mobilization, claiming that Western nations are gearing up for conflict with Russia within the next three to four years.
Speaking to the Russian outlet Abzats, Zhuravlyov asserted that by 2028 or 2029, Western powers, including NATO, will be ready to challenge Russia militarily.
He called for bolstering the country’s mobilization reserve and improving military enlistment procedures to prepare for what he described as an inevitable confrontation.
“Europe is telling us that by 2028–2029, [they and their allies] will be prepared to fight Russia. We need to prepare our male population and, of course, defend the Motherland,” Zhuravlyov said, as cited by United24 Media.
While he noted that Russia currently has sufficient volunteers in its armed forces, he emphasized the need to prepare for “long-term threats,” suggesting this preparation should include openly discussing mobilization plans.
A Fiery Response to Lithuania
Zhuravlyov also lashed out at Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who recently commented on the historical Lithuanian ties of the Kaliningrad region.
Zhuravlyov dismissed these claims, insisting the Baltic region “should be part of Russia” and warning Lithuania to “keep their mouths shut.”
He described Lithuania’s military as “one of the weakest in the world” and incapable of resisting a confrontation with Russia, further escalating tensions between Moscow and the Baltic nations.
Zhuravlyov’s remarks come as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed the need for the alliance to adopt a “military mindset” to deter aggression. Speaking in Brussels, Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to Ukraine and its efforts to strengthen military readiness across member states.
