Russian Officials Catapult Mobilization Rumors as False and Unfounded
A senior deputy chairman of the State Duma committee on defense, Yuri Shvytkin, asserted that Russia will not see a new wave of mobilization in the autumn of 2023. The claim, reported by RTVI, was presented as a clear statement from a high-ranking legislator who emphasized that no plan exists for a second, third phase or a general mobilization at this time.
Shvytkin described the so-called mobilization orders circulating in public discourse as deliberate fakes designed to mislead the population. He characterized these messages as provocations linked to Ukrainian sources and urged citizens not to be swayed by them. The deputy reiterated that mobilization is not anticipated in the near term and that the public should rely on official announcements from competent authorities.
Backing Shvytkin’s stance, MP Viktor Sobolev echoed the assessment, stating that there will be absolutely no mobilization this year. The two lawmakers spoke amid ongoing concerns about information campaigns that seek to destabilize public sentiment or test the boundaries of political messaging during sensitive security discussions.
Earlier, Kirill Polyakov, the deputy governor of St. Petersburg, weighed in to say that regional authorities do not see any prerequisites for a new mobilization drive. His remarks added a local perspective to the national dialogue and underscored a broader pattern of official caution alongside persistent rumors.
The conversation about mobilization resurfaced at the highest levels when President Vladimir Putin addressed the Eastern Economic Forum. During the general assembly meeting, he referenced the current size of the armed forces and volunteer units, noting that around 300 thousand people had been drafted into service and that an additional number of individuals, about 270 thousand, had signed service contracts in the recent months. These figures were cited to illustrate the scale of personnel changes within Russia’s military and defense detachments, rather than to signal any imminent draft drive. Observers and analysts have interpreted these numbers as part of broader ongoing manpower adjustments rather than a new mobilization wave.
Separately, there has been discussion in parliamentary circles about what some have dubbed a fake order associated with Shoigu regarding mobilization. The conversation highlights how political rhetoric and administrative signals can blur in public discourse, especially when security matters are under constant scrutiny from multiple actors. Analysts suggest that these debates reflect broader strategic concerns, including modernization of the forces, retention of volunteers, and the management of public expectations during periods of regional tension.
In this environment, officials continue to distinguish between ordinary recruitment measures, contract-based service updates, and any form of mass mobilization. The emphasis remains on clear, authoritative communication and the avoidance of any actions that could destabilize social and economic life. Citizens are advised to seek information from official channels and to treat rumors with skepticism until verified by credible institutions. The overarching message from the government and lawmakers is that there is no mandate for new mobilization in the near term, and that ongoing personnel policy is focused on contractual enlistment, reserve readiness, and modernization of the armed forces as part of a measured and controlled approach to national defense. This stance aims to reassure residents while maintaining readiness to respond to evolving security challenges, should they arise. The conversation continues to evolve as new developments surface from official briefings and parliamentary oversight committees, with ongoing monitoring of public sentiment and information integrity across national media outlets and regional authorities. Attribution for the statements cited comes from official statements and contemporary reports from RTVI and public addresses at major forums.