Inspections have been reported at military training grounds in Russia, notably at the Kadamovskiy range in Rostov Oblast and Alabino in Moscow Oblast.
While Russian officials claim no mobilization is planned, increasing evidence suggests a large-scale mobilization is in preparation, expected to commence immediately after the elections in September.
According to reports, the Kremlin is also establishing a legal framework to enforce conscription among the population and businesses. A bill has been submitted to the State Duma that would impose fines of up to 1 million rubles or suspend business operations for 90 days for non-compliance with orders from operational headquarters.
The group “Atesh” indicates that businesses are being coerced to quietly provide equipment, repurpose resources, and send employees to the front lines under the threat of bankruptcy in response to the army’s needs.
Context
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a July 27 interview with Sky News that intelligence suggests illegitimate President Vladimir Putin is preparing for mobilization this fall, aiming to recruit 300,000 to 500,000 new soldiers.
- As of August 19, Russian media reported that forced mobilization is already occurring in at least eight regions, including Penza, Ulyanovsk, Omsk, Udmurtia, the Krasnodar region, Arkhangelsk, the Jewish Autonomous Region, and Buryatia.
- The publication “Gordon” speculated whether this situation would trigger protests among the Russian populace.
