Russian military forces are conducting exercises across the country to test their readiness for a possible new wave of mobilization, although the Kremlin has not yet made a corresponding decision. The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing Western intelligence officials, writes UNN.
Details
According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to the publication, in July the Russian military practiced, among other things, procedures for receiving, housing, feeding, and arming a large number of conscripts in the Kaliningrad region.
According to assessments by Western intelligence agencies, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to compensate for its battlefield losses through volunteers. At the same time, Putin’s desire to establish full control over Donbas could push the Kremlin toward a new call-up.
What is known about a possible mobilization
According to WSJ, the Kremlin is unlikely to make a decision on a new mobilization before the State Duma elections, which are to take place at the end of September. The Kremlin and Russia’s Ministry of Defense did not respond to the publication’s requests for comment.
WSJ draws particular attention to the Kaliningrad region, where mobilization exercises recently took place. Western intelligence agencies believe that, in the event of a conflict with NATO, Russia may try to seize part of the Suwałki Corridor — the area between the Kaliningrad region and Belarus through the territories of Poland and Lithuania.