Russia moves to legalise broader military mobilization

Russia's State Duma approved a law that would allow citizens with criminal convictions to sign contracts with the defence ministry during a formal mobilisation, expanding the pool of potential conscripts. The legislation also broadens the powers of the Rosgwardia internal troops to protect the population from "threats" during mobilisation or martial‑law conditions. Analysts at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War say the measures signal Kremlin preparation for a new, wider mobilisation after the earlier 2022 partial draft failed to meet frontline losses and triggered protests and emigration. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, claim the economy remains stable despite rising food prices and fuel‑energy sector problems, while the war in Ukraine continues to strain labour supplies.