Russia’s Mobilization Looming as Putin Sticks to Ambitions

Russia insists that no new mobilization is planned, despite nationwide readiness exercises and Ukrainian warnings that Vladimir Putin could call up 300,000 troops after September’s parliamentary elections. The denials come as Russia’s paid recruitment system struggles to generate net manpower, its Donbas offensive produces diminishing territorial returns, and the country’s remaining liquid fiscal reserve falls below its accumulated 2026 budget deficit. US intelligence has separately assessed that Putin could test NATO with a limited assault, while unconfirmed reporting linked CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s Moscow trip to a possible warning against further escalation.