Putin dismisses mobilization rumors as 'nonsense'; intelligence warns of possible 600,000 call-up
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected reports of a new mobilization after the State Duma elections, calling them "nonsense" and an information attack. Ukrainian intelligence, meanwhile, says Russia's General Staff has prepared a plan to call up an additional 600,000 people in 2026–2027.
At a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Russian President Vladimir Putin denied media reports suggesting that Russia would announce a new wave of mobilization after the State Duma elections. He described the claims as "nonsense" and an "information attack" on Russia. Putin did not provide details to support his denial.
The issue gained attention after Ukraine's military intelligence said Russia's General Staff had drawn up an option for an additional call-up of 600,000 people in 2026 and 2027, with 300,000 per year. According to intelligence, the newly drafted personnel would be used primarily to replenish units fighting against Ukraine and to staff newly formed military units.
In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian military officials had conducted exercises in the Kaliningrad region to test procedures for mobilizing residents of the area. That report added to concerns that Moscow is preparing to expand its armed forces.
In May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Putin regime had set a goal of increasing the size of the Russian occupation army. He argued that such plans show Moscow is not genuinely interested in meaningful peace negotiations.
Russian authorities have not yet commented officially on the intelligence and media reports about a possible call-up. Putin's remarks, however, appear aimed at reassuring the public amid concerns about another round of mobilization.
