There are no signs that Putin has decided to carry out a new mobilization — The Guardian
However, fears that a new mobilization could still be announced are increasingly penetrating everyday conversations.
There are "no signs" that Putin has decided to carry out a new mobilization. This was reported to The Guardian by two sources in Moscow familiar with the progress of discussions on conscription.
However, fears that a new mobilization could still be announced are increasingly penetrating everyday conversations.
In Telegram chats used by local sports teams, work colleagues, and groups of friends, Russians are exchanging rumors about a possible mobilization and sharing advice on how to get a deferment or avoid conscription. Some suggest that a new mobilization could begin after the September State Duma elections.
"Now one can only guess whether mobilization will actually happen," said Ivan Chuvilyaev, a representative of the Get Lost organization, which helps Russian military personnel to desert.
However, according to him, new rumors are already being used to stimulate recruitment.
"The panic around mobilization is being used by officials to pressure men and force them to sign contracts," Chuvilyaev said. "The message is: mobilization will happen anyway, so it's better to sign a contract now and get paid before you are forced to fight."
According to Western estimates, Russian losses amount to more than 30,000 killed and wounded per month. This is the result of the army's exhausting tactics – the so-called "meat grinder," where troops are repeatedly sent forward in small assault groups despite heavy losses.
Comments