The Kremlin is quietly laying the groundwork for new forced call-ups as Russia’s battlefield losses in Ukraine keep mounting. With troops bleeding and replacements running thin, Moscow is now eyeing involuntary reserve conscription to keep its war machine grinding forward. The move could drag ordinary Russians back into uniform, whether they like it or not.

According to the US-based Institute for the Study of War, the Kremlin is already shaping the narrative. Analysts say Russia may soon restart limited, rolling reserve call-ups because existing recruitment systems can no longer replace losses. Officials are also working to prepare society for the shock.

On Wednesday, Russia’s State Duma passed a bill in its first reading aimed at cracking down on the “distortion of historical truth” and “evasion of the duty to defend the Fatherland.” ISW experts believe this legal language gives the Kremlin cover to prosecute critics of forced reserve mobilisation. It sends a clear message: dissent will not be tolerated.

The think tank says President Vladimir Putin wants to normalise small, rolling call-ups rather than risk a public backlash with another partial mobilisation like September 2022. A full general mobilisation is seen as even more dangerous. Russian authorities fear social unrest if the scale becomes too obvious.

But the pressure is intense. Russia is struggling to balance war needs with economic survival. Officials claim the country must find at least 2.4 million additional workers by 2030, making mass conscription a risky gamble for the labour market.

ISW notes the groundwork has been in place since at least October 2025. That month, the government approved a draft law allowing reservists to be sent abroad for so-called special tasks and “anti-terrorist operations.” The scope was broad and the wording vague.

In November 2025, Putin signed a decree allowing year-round conscription instead of the traditional twice-yearly call-ups. One month later, he authorised an unspecified number of reservists to attend mandatory “military training camps” in 2026. These camps will span the armed forces, National Guard, FSB, and emergency services.

ISW believes this framework allows Moscow to quietly tap its inactive strategic reserve without public announcements. At the same time, the Kremlin is tightening control over information. Analysts say officials are seeking new justifications to restrict Telegram to suppress criticism of the war.

Yet Moscow is walking a tightrope. Authorities admit Russian troops rely heavily on Telegram and have promised not to block it in combat zones. This is meant to placate military bloggers and frontline voices who rushed to defend the platform.

As pressure grows, the Kremlin is also pushing hard for Ukraine to capitulate in peace talks. ISW says Moscow wants to secure its war aims without forcing painful sacrifices on Russian society.

On Thursday, Dmitry Medvedev dismissed talk of a manpower crisis as “exaggerated.” He boasted that Russia’s military-industrial complex is the most powerful in the world and said veterans would be retrained for civilian jobs.

But the numbers tell a harsher story. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates Russia has suffered 1.2 million casualties nearly four years into its all-out war against Ukraine. That is more than any major power has lost in a single conflict since World War II.

Key Takeaways

• Moscow is preparing involuntary reserve call-ups to offset massive battlefield losses.

• New laws could criminalise criticism of forced mobilisation.

• Analysts warn Russia is running out of options as casualties soar.

Kremlin reportedly plans involuntary reserve call-up as Russia's battlefield losses mount

Maybe the Russian Embassy could open a recruiting office in Phuket and a few other Thai locations - I am sure the patriotic Russians "visiting" Thailand would rush to enroll.

Haha...propaganda at it's best. Ukraine wants a ceasefire because they are winning. Russia wants to keep fighting because they are losing?

Continue your fantasy that falls down quickly when logic is applied. LMAO.