Russian military runs drills to test draft readiness, WSJ says
The Russian military is conducting exercises to assess its readiness for a potential new mobilization, according to unnamed Western intelligence officials cited by The Wall Street Journal and reported by Rain TV. The Kremlin has not yet made a formal decision to launch a new draft.
Logistical drills in Kaliningrad
One of the exercises took place in July in the Kaliningrad region, where Russian officers arriving from Saint Petersburg rehearsed mobilization protocols. The drills simulated the billeting, rationing, and arming of regional residents in the event of an activation order.
Western intelligence officials told the publication that similar preparatory exercises are underway across other Russian regions. However, sources assess that the Kremlin remains unlikely to order a widespread call-up ahead of the State Duma elections.
Troop deficits and official denials
European and American officials noted that acute manpower shortages could eventually compel Vladimir Putin to announce a mobilization. Russian authorities have struggled in recent months to recruit sufficient personnel to offset battlefield losses.
The Wall Street Journal did not specify the exact countries or agencies behind the intelligence reports, and neither the Kremlin nor the Russian Ministry of Defense responded to requests for comment. On Friday, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, rejected the claims, stating that no mobilization is planned and suggesting observers "see what happens after the elections."
Translattion by Iurie Tataru
