Overview
- The State Duma passed a bill on July 22 that lets people with active criminal records sign contracts with the Ministry of Defence during formal mobilizations, widening who can be recruited for service.
- Rosgvardia published proposed amendments on July 21 that broaden civil-defense rules and give the national guard new authorities to address unspecified “dangers” during mobilization, martial law, and wartime.
- A November 2025 law signed by President Vladimir Putin already lets the government deploy reservists without declaring a full mobilization, creating legal space for rolling or partial call-ups.
- Analysts cite heavy combat losses and Ukrainian deep strikes on energy and logistics hubs, including hits on Wildberries distribution centers, as drivers that are increasing pressure to find more soldiers and stabilize supplies.
- Moscow has not announced a new mass mobilization and appears to be weighing the political risks of a call-up, with officials preparing tools to manage possible unrest and elite discontent if a wider campaign is ordered.