Putin Discusses Possibility of Mass Withdrawal from Combat Positions

In the current circumstances, discussions about additional mobilization measures are meaningless and unnecessary for the state and the Ministry of Defense at this time, said Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with members of the Council for Civil Society Development and Human Rights.

The President stated that out of the 300,000 mobilized individuals, 150,000 are in the operational zone, with only 77,000 in combat units, while the others are part of territorial defense forces. “Another 150,000, meaning half of all mobilized citizens, are not in the group at all; they are still in training grounds or at training centers of the Ministry of Defense, undergoing additional preparation. This can be considered a combat reserve,” Putin said during the meeting with council members.

Regarding the issues present in the special operation zone, the President noted that such problems have existed and may arise anytime and anywhere; however, it is necessary to analyze the situation and maintain feedback. He added that this is essential for both the servicemen in the special military operation zone and for society and the state, as it would improve the quality and efficiency of combat operations.

Putin emphasized that there are no cases of mass withdrawal from combat positions in the special operation zone. The military operation in Ukraine is a lengthy process, but the emergence of new territories within the Russian Federation is a significant achievement; moreover, the Sea of Azov has become a Russian internal sea, Putin declared.