Russia considers mobilizing 450,000 men — Budanov
Kyrylo Budanov Intelligence June 25, 2022. (Photo:REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
Moscow is considering mobilizing
450,000 more people into its military, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence chief
Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with RFE/RL on Aug. 25.
He further stated that “covert mobilization” in Russia continues uninterrupted.
“From 20,000 to 22,000 are being called up each month for mobilization,” said Budanov.
“Now they are considering the option, it's not yet fully decided, to call up an additional 450,000. This in itself raises the question: why such a number if the losses, as they say, are insignificant?”
A covert yet comprehensive mobilization campaign is ongoing in Russia, where approximately 20,000 men are being conscripted into the Russian army every month, according to Ukrainian Defense Intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov.
On Aug. 18, Yusov said that the Kremlin's actions amount to compulsory mobilization. Those who have recently acquired Russian citizenship are often the first to be mobilized.
Earlier, Russia amended its law to increase the conscription age ceiling. Men aged 18 to 30 are now subject to service, rather than 18 to 27.
According to a Bloomberg report from March 24, Russia intends to enlist an additional 400,000 contract soldiers following its unsuccessful winter offensive in Ukraine.
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