Russian Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev denies rumors of an upcoming mobilization, calling them ‘nonsense’ and a ‘lying provocation’ by Ukraine
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, dismissed rumors of a possible mobilization in Russia this fall as untrue, the Russian state news agency TASS reported. The Security Council advises the president on national security matters. He called news reports and social media posts on the subject “paid for.” Medvedev added:
The enemy’s attempts to spread nonsense that a mobilization is being prepared in the country are nothing more than a lying provocation. This is part of the propaganda campaign ahead of the elections. They are, naturally, trying to destabilize the situation.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting on troop recruitment, Medvedev said around 200,000 people signed contracts with the Defense Ministry during the first six months of 2026. He said Ukraine is “experiencing a shortage of manpower” and is spreading the rumors as a result.
Sources who spoke with Meduza, as well as other outlets, reported in late June that the number of people willing to serve in the Russian military under contract has been gradually declining, forcing authorities to step up recruitment campaigns and raise payments. The Kremlin is also weighing more radical measures, including a new wave of mobilization.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said as much, citing intelligence data. He added that Vladimir Putin wants to carry out a mobilization after State Duma elections in September. The State Duma is the lower house of Russia’s parliament.
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