Putin Denies Russia Is Preparing a New Mobilization for the Ukraine War

Vladimir Putin has again denied that Russia is preparing to mobilize more men for the war in Ukraine, calling the reports Ukrainian “disinformation” ahead of Russia’s State Duma elections later this month.

“There is no scenario today that would require mobilization,” Putin told a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. He said the reports were intended to influence the election and argued that Russian citizens were enlisting voluntarily and signing contracts.

Putin also dismissed mobilization rumors earlier in the week as “utter nonsense” and an “information attack” against Russia. Russia ordered an unpopular partial mobilization in 2022, months after launching its full-scale invasion, and the decision prompted many draft-age men to leave the country. The Kremlin has since repeatedly denied plans for another campaign.

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There is no scenario today that would require mobilization.

On peace, Putin said there was still a chance for a settlement, but stressed that Moscow and Kyiv must resolve the conflict. “Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict, Russia and Ukraine. This is the correct approach. Yet, we are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is,” he said.

His comments came as Russian attacks on Kyiv intensified and Ukraine expanded strikes deeper inside Russia, including against online retailers and other civilian targets, according to the report. Putin condemned warnings about risks to aircraft in Russian airspace as “state terrorism.”

Russia’s Transport Ministry said it had clarified airport and airspace safety measures for foreign airlines after requests from carriers. The aviation watchdog Rosaviatsiya said Russian air transport and ground infrastructure continued to operate normally, including flights by foreign airlines. European and U.S. carriers have avoided Russian airspace since the full-scale invasion began.

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Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict, Russia and Ukraine. This is the correct approach. Yet, we are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is.