Kremlin’s Pool of Volunteer Fighters Has Dried Up

Russia's Mobilization Crisis Deepens

According to Главком: In an interview with Glavkom, Ivan Chuvilyayev, press secretary of the anti-war foundation 'Idite Lesom,' stated that Russia has exhausted its reserve of volunteer contract soldiers. This depletion could push the Kremlin toward drastic measures, including emptying prisons and increasing citizens' debt dependency. Chuvilyayev also noted that preparations for additional mobilization are underway in Russia, along with the forced signing of mobilization orders.

Ivan Chuvilyayev: 'In reality, they could resort to absolutely anything. They could empty all the prisons – and you'd have a ready army without any issues.'

According to Chuvilyayev, 'they just haven't dared to do it yet because they are afraid. But if they are cornered, they will simply revert to old methods – more aggressively targeting convicts and opening more criminal cases.' He added that the mobilization potential of Russia's penitentiary system remains significant, and the Russian parliament could quickly create a legal basis for new arrests.

Economic Strain and Its Consequences

Chuvilyayev also highlighted Russia's economic situation, which is forcing many citizens into military service due to financial hardship. 'There will be more layoffs. You know what the economic situation in Russia is like, and those who took out loans can no longer pay them off. So this feeding ground won't disappear,' he emphasized.

The decline in patriotic euphoria, Chuvilyayev explained, is linked to recruiters shifting their focus toward students. 'The drop in the number of people willing to fight is exactly why I think those who used to recruit debtors and convicts for contracts have now turned to students,' the press secretary noted. However, he believes recruiters could soon switch back to other demographics.

Since the start of 2026, Russians have been forced to sign mobilization orders at military enlistment offices. Russia's political leadership has set a goal of increasing its occupation force by at least tens of thousands of personnel. Ukraine has intelligence indicating preparations for further mobilization in Russia, signaling an escalation of military operations.

Chuvilyayev's statements underscore the severity of the situation Russia faces regarding military resources and mobilization. The exhaustion of volunteer contract soldiers may compel the Kremlin to adopt extreme measures, such as emptying prisons, reflecting growing pressure on the country's military system. The economic difficulties confronting Russians may also drive more people into service, creating new challenges for society.

The ongoing mobilization crisis in Russia is not only marked by a shortage of volunteers but also by the looming threat of another wave of conscription. As highlighted in recent reports, the Kremlin is preparing for further mobilization efforts after suffering significant losses on the battlefield. This situation raises critical questions about the future of Russia's military strategy and the implications for its citizens. For a deeper understanding of these developments, you can read more about the upcoming mobilization efforts set to unfold in the near future.