Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing mass mobilisation across the country to recruit criminals including drug smugglers, murderers and mafia members for the frontline. He also wants to expand his internal security service amid soaring fears of civil unrest related to the crippled economy, fuel shortages and anger over his failing war in Ukraine.
Martial Law Preparations
It is believed he has also instructed his internal security officials to prepare to impose martial law across Russia to clamp down on potential riots or looting as the economy plummets.
The major move within the Moscow security and military apparatus is revealed after another night of devastating Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia. Repeated Ukraine deep-strike drone and missile attacks inside Kremlin territory have smashed oil and gas supplies and reminded Russians the war can hit them too.
Recent Ukrainian Strikes
This week the drones have hit major “Amazon-like” Wildberries retail delivery outlets in Russia, destroying the businesses of hundreds of business owners in the country. They were targeted because the enterprise was allegedly involved in supplying components for drone weapons which have become deadly in the Ukraine war.
Last night Ukraine launched another wave of long-range drone strikes across Russia, hitting multiple oil facilities and pipelines. It is believed a Wildberries logistical hub was hit again.
Legal Changes for Mobilisation
The US-based Institute for the Study of War said: “The Kremlin appears to be setting conditions for potential mobilisation and is preparing for possible civil unrest in Russia resulting from mobilisation.”
“The Russian State Duma passed a bill on July 22 that allows citizens with unexpunged and active criminal records, including for crimes related to drug smuggling and organised crime, to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) during formal mobilisation periods.”
The project will hugely expand the number of Russians who are eligible for military service when recruiting for the war has become a major issue.
High Casualties and Unpopularity
Some statistics suggest many recruits into the Russian military barely last more than 30 minutes on the frontline and Moscow has suffered more than 1.4 million losses through death or injury.
The ISW suggests: “The Kremlin appears to be setting conditions to announce formal mobilisation and potentially declare martial law in Russia in anticipation of civil unrest as mobilisation remains highly unpopular within Russian society.”
“Mobilisation remains a very personal decision for Putin and is ultimately contingent on Putin’s personal perception of the battlefield situation and the Kremlin’s stability…”
Impact on Wildberries and Shadow Fleet
Wildberries has suffered enormously from the repeated hits by Ukraine’s drones. Its owners are being forced to compensate more than 88,000 of the company’s sellers.
Attacks on Russia’s oil and gas facilities and pipelines have dealt a severe blow to Putin’s ability to pay for his war in Ukraine. And Ukraine has also hit close to 200 of his “shadow fleet” vessels which specialise in dodging sanctions imposed during the full-scale invasion.
