Medvedev denies new mobilization – 200,000 volunteers reportedly signed up according to Moscow

Medvedev's statements verbatim

This unverifiable figure was cited by the deputy head of the National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, at a meeting. Russia lures the volunteers with high bonuses and income. According to official figures, around 200,000 volunteers are said to have signed up again in Russia in the first half of the year for the war of aggression against Ukraine. The Kremlin had already proceeded in this manner in 2022: In 2022 as well, the Kremlin had claimed that no forced recruitment was planned. When it did come, hundreds of thousands took flight.

Pressure and doubt in Russia

Medvedev described the circulating rumors as targeted disinformation. "These were lies, provocations and rumors that the enemy deliberately spread to destabilize the situation in Russia ahead of the parliamentary election in September," said former Kremlin chief Medvedev. The fear of a new mobilization in Russia is actually palpable, and many people do not believe the official assurances. Many men who have completed their military service also report pressure to commit to military service.

Personnel shortages in Ukraine as well

While Russia says it does not need a mobilization, independent observers in Kyiv also see massive personnel problems at the front in Ukraine. Soldiers are lacking there. Desertions, resistance to sometimes violent recruitments, and attempts to buy one's way out of military service through bribery are also widespread. The situation on the Ukrainian front is therefore tense on both sides.

Zelenskyy's talk with Trump

Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyy also discussed the situation in the war at a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy described the talk as good. According to his presidential chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, it was agreed to intensify the negotiation process at all levels in order to achieve a just peace. He gave no details.

The negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow under US mediation had come to a standstill after the start of Trump's campaign against Iran. With the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump, at best a cautious revival of the diplomatic channel is emerging. Whether this can also alleviate the personnel bottlenecks of both warring parties remains open.