At present, Russia’s contract recruitment effort proceeds without disruption, and there are no plans for a renewed mobilization wave. This assessment was conveyed by Andrei Kartapolov, the chair of the State Duma Defense Committee, in remarks cited by RTVI. He framed the current situation as steady on the contract side, emphasizing that the Defense Ministry’s staffing progress is tracking ahead of earlier expectations. The deputy stressed that a broad mobilization is not on the agenda for the near term, urging a distinction between daily contract recruitment and any possible call-up. The tone of the briefing suggested a preference for filling vacancies through voluntary service rather than sweeping conscription, and it underscored confidence in ongoing personnel policy. Source: RTVI
On the core mechanism for military service, Kartapolov reiterated that the primary instrument of conscription remains a paper summons. He cautioned against anticipating a mobilization push and noted that recruitment under contract is advancing well, potentially surpassing prior projections. He added that official figures will be published by the Defense Ministry, signaling a commitment to transparency about manpower levels. The emphasis on contract-based staffing reflects a broader strategy to balance manpower needs with public expectations while avoiding disruption to civilian life. Source: RTVI
Kartapolov also suggested that this year’s draft would operate under existing standards, with the Unified Military Registry described as being tested in several regions before a full rollout. He explained that the registry aims to modernize how personnel data is collected and shared, which could streamline processing for conscripts and contract personnel alike. The deputy highlighted that a complete launch is planned for 2025, framing the move as part of a longer-term modernization of how military service and recruitment are managed. The overall message was one of continuity and gradual reform rather than abrupt change. Source: RTVI
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, stated that there was no discussion of a fresh mobilization in the Russian Federation. He also noted a rising willingness among Russians to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense to participate in what authorities describe as a special operation, signaling continued preference for contract service amid ongoing military activities. The remarks were presented as evidence of evolving public sentiment toward voluntary service and a cautious approach to mobilization. Source: Kremlin press office
Earlier, a member of the State Duma weighed in on the mobilization debate, acknowledging the perceived need to enlarge the Russian army. The exchange reflected ongoing policy considerations about how to reconcile manpower requirements with political and social realities. In sum, the discourse around mobilization versus contract recruitment remains a live issue within Russian defense circles, even as current policies favor the expansion of contract service and orderly modernization of the recruitment system. Source: State Duma records