Missile Attacks Allow Putin to Delay Mobilization, Media Reports

Russia's increasing reliance on ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine may be enabling President Vladimir Putin to postpone a potentially unpopular new mobilization, according to a report by TVP World.

The media outlet suggests that Russia is intensifying its missile strikes on Kyiv as its ground offensive falters and troop casualties exceed the number of newly recruited forces. Moscow is also capitalizing on Ukraine's and its allies' shortages of air defense missiles.

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This advantage gives Putin the opportunity to postpone perhaps the most important decision since he mobilized 300,000 reservists in September 2022. Another mobilization could supply Russia with needed troops, but would also bring the war into millions of Russian homes. And refusing to announce it allows residents of major cities to remain detached from the war.

"This advantage gives Putin the opportunity to postpone perhaps the most important decision since he mobilized 300,000 reservists in September 2022," wrote political editor Stuart Dowell. He added that another mobilization could supply Russia with needed troops but would also bring the war into millions of Russian homes. Avoiding it allows residents of major cities to remain detached from the conflict.

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However, this change means Russia's ability to redraw the world map is diminishing. Therefore, its ability to strike Ukraine from the air becomes even more important.

Dowell argues that Putin's mass missile attacks bring him closer to a total war without officially declaring it. This strategy, he believes, also includes another harsh winter for Ukraine's energy system and expanded hybrid operations against NATO states. The conflict's trajectory is shifting, with Russia losing military initiative, though not necessarily heading toward defeat or Ukraine nearing victory.

"However, this change means Russia's ability to redraw the world map is diminishing. Therefore, its ability to strike Ukraine from the air becomes even more important," Dowell stated. He explained that Russia is currently launching ballistic missiles faster than Ukraine and its allies can produce interceptors. While Western production is increasing, no current project can fully protect Ukraine this autumn and winter. Putin has reasons to exploit this gap now, the author suggests.

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Putin has reasons to exploit this gap now.