Putin confronts army shortage as recruitment falls and losses rise

Rumors in Moscow suggest President Vladimir Putin may launch a large‑scale mobilization following the September State Duma elections, a move aimed at stabilising a deteriorating frontline personnel situation. New deputies are reportedly being used to make the proposal palatable to the public, while the influx of volunteers has plummeted – recruitment in the spring dropped by more than a third compared with the previous year.

At the same time, Russian forces are suffering mounting casualties, low morale and scant territorial gains. Reports describe poor equipment, high loss rates and growing exhaustion among troops. Officials are weighing options beyond a mass mobilization, including calling up reservists, offering financial incentives and recruiting abroad. Critics warn that forced conscription may extend to prisoners and street criminals in poor health, with many new “time‑soldiers” surviving only a month without personal connections, and desertion rates reportedly around fifty percent.

The situation underscores increasing pressure on Putin to address both military setbacks and domestic discontent, as the war effort struggles to maintain momentum.