The Moscow Times: Kremlin bans media under its control from reporting on mobilization

The Kremlin has banned government-controlled media from publishing any statements concerning mobilization, reports The Moscow Times, citing their own source in Russian media.

“Before, we could write about the ongoing mobilization, and about possible scenarios and predictions. Now all predictions have to stop. The requirements state that we shouldn’t quote anyone [on mobilization], even a statement by a State Duma deputy or a senator,” the source said.

According to The Moscow Times’ source, an unspoken order came from the presidential administration on the eve of New Year’s holidays. The Kremlin’s decision is likely related to rumors about a “second wave” of mobilization, as well as Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu’s suggestion that Russia should increase the maximum size of its army.

Mobilization started in Russia on September 21 and ended, according to authorities, at the end of October, however Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet signed the decree that would officially end mobilization. Authorities insist that the decree is not necessary.

On December 21, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announced broad reforms to the Russian army. Among other things, he suggested increasing its maximum size from 1.15 to 1.5 million people, as well as increasing the number of contract soldiers by 290,000 — for a total of 695,000 people. Apart from that, the Minister suggested allowing conscripts to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense as soon as they are conscripted.