The Kremlin is likely creating conditions for a potential mobilization and preparing for possible civil unrest in Russia as a result of such a step. This is reported in a material by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), according to UNN.
Details
It is noted that the day before, the Russian State Duma adopted a law allowing citizens with unexpunged and active criminal records, including for crimes related to drug smuggling and organized crime, to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense during official mobilization periods.
Russian Deputy Minister of Defense and Head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Army General Viktor Goremykin, stated on July 22 that the draft law ... will expand the number of Russians eligible for military service and support Russia's efforts to recruit servicemen for the war in Ukraine in 2026
They also note that on July 21, Rosgvardia published amendments to expand civil defense rules to protect Russian society from unspecified "dangers" during mobilization, martial law, and wartime. Additionally, in November 2025, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing him to deploy reservists to combat zones without declaring mobilization.
"The Kremlin appears to be creating conditions for declaring official mobilization and potentially declaring martial law in Russia in anticipation of civil unrest, as mobilization remains highly unpopular in Russian society," ISW concludes.
Reminder
According to the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Russia plans to mobilize 500,000 people in the fall. Some of them will be thrown into battle within two weeks, while others will be trained for a month for a new front.
Zelenskyy: after the "elections" in russia, putin may increase mobilization15.07.26, 20:43