Russia Announces It Has 'No Plans' For Additional Mobilization in Ukraine
Announcement Follows Autumn Conscription, Wagner Revival
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October 03, 2023
After a surge of new recruits following Putin's autumn conscript call, and the rehabilitation of Wagner, Russia's Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, announced on Tuesday, October 3, that there are "no plans" for an additional mobilization of men to fight in Ukraine.
Shoigu announced that over 335,000 people have signed up to fight in the armed forces or voluntary units this year, indicating that Russia has sufficient military personnel to conduct the ongoing military operation in Ukraine.
Shoigu praised the patriotism of those who have enlisted, stating that since the beginning of the year, more than 335,000 individuals have entered military service under contract or in volunteer formations. In September alone, over 50,000 citizens signed contracts. These numbers suggest that Russia has made significant progress in recruiting and absorbing fighters from the Wagner mercenary force into voluntary formations.
Last year, in September, President Vladimir Putin ordered a "partial mobilization" of 300,000 reservists. The decision led to a mass exodus of young men fleeing Russia to avoid being sent to fight. However, Putin has repeatedly stated that there is no need to repeat the mobilization, as it was seen as a mistake that caused many to leave the country.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has resulted in a devastating war that has affected large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. The conflict has led to the deaths or injuries of hundreds of thousands of individuals and has strained Russia's relations with the West to an unprecedented extent.
Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has confirmed that there are no plans for an additional mobilization of men to fight in Ukraine. With over 335,000 people signing up to fight this year, Russia believes it has the necessary military personnel to continue its military operation in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has had severe consequences for both Ukraine and Russia, causing significant casualties and straining diplomatic relations.
Russia remains committed to its current strategy and does not foresee any immediate changes.