Russia, Only Half of Reservists Mobilized After One Month of Order... Possibility of Additional Mobilization

Out of 85 Regions, 44 Completed Conscription
Goal to Finish Within 2 Weeks... Additional Conscription Possible

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Four weeks have passed since Russia issued a partial mobilization order targeting reservists to deploy them to the Ukrainian front, but it has now been revealed that only about half of the regions subject to the overall conscription have completed recruitment.

Although the Russian military plans to complete conscription within two weeks, it has not disclosed the actual number of conscripted troops, suggesting significant difficulties in recruitment. There are also concerns about the possibility of additional mobilization due to future manpower shortages.

Only 44 out of 85 regions have completed conscription... Conscription targets reluctant

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to Russian Interfax News Agency on the 18th (local time), about four weeks after the Russian government issued a partial mobilization order for reservists, conscription has been completed in only 44 out of the 85 regions where the mobilization order was issued. It took nearly a month after the mobilization order for only about half to complete conscription.

The Russian government has not disclosed the actual number of troops conscripted in each region. On the 14th, the Russian government announced that more than 220,000 out of the 300,000 conscription target had been recruited and that the mobilization order would end within two weeks, but it is estimated that proper conscription has not been achieved.

There has been controversy as indiscriminate conscription in some regions led to the recruitment of elderly and disabled people who were not subject to mobilization, and many men fled abroad after the mobilization order was declared, making conscription difficult.

As soldiers are deployed to the front lines without receiving proper supplies or training, casualties have increased significantly. It is also pointed out that frequent accidents, both major and minor, at training centers are fueling conscription avoidance among mobilization targets.

According to TASS News Agency, on the 15th, a shooting occurred at a shooting range in Belgorod in southwestern Russia, killing 11 volunteer soldiers and injuring 15. The Ministry of Defense stated in a press release, "Those who volunteered to participate in the special military operation were fired upon by terrorists with small arms during shooting training."

Ongoing deterioration of the war situation... Possibility of additional mobilization

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

As the Russian military is being pushed back significantly on major fronts, the possibility of additional mobilization is being raised. Sergey Surovikin, the joint forces commander overseeing Russia's invasion forces in Ukraine, indicated the situation in Kherson, a key strategic point among the occupied territories, is very serious and hinted at the possibility of a full withdrawal. If the Ukrainian forces recapture Kherson, it is expected to be very difficult to reverse the war situation.

On the 18th (local time), Commander Surovikin said in an interview with local media Rossiya 24, "The situation in Kherson can be described as very difficult," adding, "The Russian military will continue to act prudently and timely, and will not rule out making complex and difficult decisions." He further stated, "Additional plans in Kherson depend on the unfolding military situation," emphasizing, "Instead of pursuing speed, we aim to preserve soldiers, block the enemy, and minimize civilian casualties."

In particular, the phrase "difficult decisions" mentioned by Commander Surovikin is interpreted as hinting at a full withdrawal from the Kherson region. This is analyzed as due to the Russian military being pushed back by Ukrainian counterattacks across Kherson, making defense very difficult. According to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the capital of Kherson Oblast, Kherson City, has its supply routes cut off, and most of the western part of Kherson City has been recaptured by Ukrainian forces.

The Russian government, facing worsening public sentiment, currently maintains that there are no plans for additional mobilization beyond the previously announced 300,000 reservists. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized at a press conference that "the number of reservists mobilized will not exceed the initially set 300,000" and that there are no plans for further mobilization at this time.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.