Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly preparing mass mobilisation as his troops struggle to make significant gains in Ukraine, while Ukraine unleashes drones deep within Russia. The Russian leader is said to be taking steps 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.
Martial Law and Mobilisation Plans
Putin is reportedly preparing to impose martial law across Russia to clamp down on potential riots or looting as the economy plummets. Kremlin's fears are said to be soaring after Ukraine repeatedly attacked oil and gas supplies. Ukrainian drones also recently targeted Wildberries retail delivery outlets and warehouses.
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.”
New Legislation on Recruitment
The think tank noted: “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.”
It added: “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…”
Official Calls for Broader Recruitment
During a state television programme, Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov, Alexei Kondratiev, a member of Russia’s Federation Council, explicitly argued that recruitment rules should be changed to let almost anyone serve. Kondratiev said: “People have the right to defend their homeland. And it doesn’t matter if you’re wounded, sick, in a mansion, have some kind of illness, it doesn’t matter how old you are or what gender you are.”
Escalation in Aerial Warfare
These comments came after an escalation in aerial warfare between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine was hit with waves of ballistic missiles before launching extensive retaliatory drone strikes. They are reported to have hit multiple oil refineries and a weapons plant in Russia. Ukraine also recently struck an oil refinery in the region of Yaroslavl, located east of Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously said: "We continue our operations that weaken Russia’s ability to wage this war. The Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region was hit – about 300km (190 miles) from the frontline. We also reached a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700km (430 miles) from our border. We will continue to respond to Russian terror. I thank our warriors for these results. I am grateful to everyone who helps us."
