As the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing increasing pressure from the Ministry of Defense to announce a new wave of military mobilization.
Relied on Volunteers
According to sources cited Hotnews, this move aims to bolster the Russian army and compensate for significant losses on the battlefield.
Earlier this year, the Ministry, then led by Sergei Shoigu, suggested a large-scale mobilization when Putin began his new term; however, he opted instead to rely on volunteers signing contracts with the military.
In an effort to attract more recruits, the government doubled the signing bonus to 400,000 rubles, roughly $4,300, but this strategy has not sufficed. Reports indicate that Russia is losing more soldiers daily than it can recruit, presenting a significant obstacle to its military efforts.
Decline in Support for Putin
Since May, when the offensive in the Kharkiv region intensified, Russian losses have been staggering. The British Defense Minister recently stated that Russia is suffering approximately 1,100 casualties each day, both killed and wounded. In contrast, Moscow is reportedly managing to recruit only about 1,000 soldiers daily.
The notion of mobilization is gaining traction within Russian circles, with an increasing number of people viewing it as inevitable.
The Wall Street Journal highlights the urgent need for additional troops, especially as Russia is heavily engaged in the fight for Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, prompting the military to recruit inexperienced soldiers and redeploy forces from other fronts.
The Kremlin fears that a new mobilization could shift public perception of the war, potentially leading to unrest or a decline in support for Putin’s leadership.
