Russia May Consider New Mobilization, According to Ukrainian Intelligence Chief
Kirilo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, believes that Vladimir Putin may decide to initiate a new wave of mobilization in Russia, reports 24brussels.
In an interview on Apostrof TV, Budanov recalled that the Kremlin conducted a partial mobilization in 2022. Subsequently, Russian authorities took significant measures to avert similar actions, despite bearing substantial costs.
“Can Russia resort to mobilization again? Yes, it can. This is genuinely dangerous. For Russia, this will be a painful process, but the likelihood remains real,” Budanov stated.
He emphasized that sending conscripts to the front lines is ineffective; however, should mobilization be declared, Moscow would be capable of rapidly increasing troop numbers and deploying even more forces into combat than currently.
Moreover, Budanov noted that a new mobilization would provoke discontent within Russian society, as demonstrated in 2022, when a wave of protests compelled the authorities to hastily retract mobilization efforts.
“But will this serve as a barrier for the Russian war machine? Unfortunately, no,” Budanov concluded.
Previously, Russia has intensified mobilization efforts in the occupied territories. In Ukraine, mobilization will continue even in the event of a ceasefire. In July, President Zelensky extended the state of war and mobilization laws, which will persist until November 2025.
