Putin Denies New Mobilization Plans at Eastern Economic Forum

President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok that Russia is not preparing for a new mobilization campaign. He described reports of such plans as an information attack and disinformation by the enemy intended to influence the upcoming State Duma elections. Putin asserted that there is no scenario requiring mobilization because Russia has sufficient military personnel and that citizens are enlisting voluntarily through contracts.

While Putin denied the need for further drafts, some observers and officials suggest otherwise. Center-right and center-left sources report that experts and Finnish President Alexander Stubb believe a mobilization could occur in the autumn due to high Russian casualties. Stubb noted that the Russian army may be losing between 30,000 and 35,000 soldiers monthly while recruiting only 27,000.

Regarding the conflict, Putin claimed there is a chance for peace but insisted that the resolution must be reached between Russia and Ukraine. He noted that the US and China are ready to support a settlement. However, he stated that Ukraine's warnings about the safety of Russian airspace for planes complicate the prospects for peace talks, calling such actions state terrorism. In response to these concerns, Russia's Transport Ministry clarified that foreign airlines are being informed about airspace safety measures.

During the forum, Putin also discussed the economy and regional development. He denied that the growing budget deficit poses a serious risk to the Russian economy. He announced a new ten year strategy for the Far East that includes a special legal regime starting in 2027 to test new technologies such as industrial robots, telemedicine, and civilian drones.

Other regional developments reported include the seizure of a Russian ship, the Professor Molchanov, by Norway in a legal dispute involving the Ukrainian company Naftogaz. Additionally, Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea, and a German court has scheduled a trial for a former Ukrainian officer accused of sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline.