Putin Dismisses Reports Of More Russian Troops Being Deployed Against Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin has rejected speculation that Russia is preparing to mobilise additional troops for its military offensive against Ukraine, declaring that there is currently no need for another call-up. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin described reports of a new mobilisation as a Ukrainian disinformation campaign aimed at influencing Russia's upcoming State Duma elections.

Putin's comments come after renewed speculation over whether Moscow could order another mobilisation amid the continuing war in Ukraine. Russia last announced a "partial mobilisation" in September 2022, with the Kremlin stating that 300,000 reservists would be called up. The move proved highly unpopular and was followed by an exodus of draft-age men from the country.

"There is no scenario today that would require mobilisation," Putin declared, while maintaining that Russian citizens were continuing to join the military voluntarily by signing contracts. The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected reports of preparations for another nationwide mobilisation, while the issue has remained a sensitive subject in Russia because of the political and social impact of the 2022 call-up.

Also Read: 42-Year-Old Telangana Worker Killed In Russian Strike On Ukraine

Ukraine has previously raised concerns that Moscow could begin another recruitment drive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in July alleged that Russia was preparing for a "new wave of mobilisation" in autumn, citing heavy Russian losses on the battlefield. Russia's military advances have also slowed this year, with extensive drone use along the front making rapid and large-scale troop movements more difficult.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, reported in July that Moscow appeared to be creating conditions that could support another mobilisation. It pointed to legislation allowing the Russian military to recruit additional categories of convicts during wartime. The institute also assessed that any decision on mobilisation would ultimately depend heavily on Putin's assessment of battlefield conditions and the Kremlin's domestic stability.

Putin's latest remarks come as both Russia and Ukraine continue to suffer significant military casualties in the prolonged conflict. Kyiv did not immediately respond to the Russian President's comments. With Russia's parliamentary elections approaching later this month, the question of military recruitment remains closely linked to battlefield developments, domestic politics and public sentiment.

Also Read: Jaishankar’s Ukraine, Poland Visit Scheduled For September 3-5