Putin May Soon Announce Second Wave of Mobilization, Up to Half a Million to Be Drafted: The Times

Western intelligence believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin may soon announce a second wave of mobilization, during which up to half a million people could be drafted. This was reported by The Times, citing sources.

According to the newspaper, Putin is guided by polls indicating that the Russian public actively supports the military conflict in Ukraine, despite the setbacks on the front lines. The Times does not clarify the specific polls suggesting that Russian society backs the war.

“Serious preparations are underway in Russia’s territorial military commissions. The Kremlin has conducted a closed survey. Russians are preoccupied with the war; they do not want to accept defeat,” said a Western official who remains unnamed.

If a decision to conduct a new mobilization is made within the coming weeks, up to 500,000 mobilized personnel could be sent to the front by April, coinciding with the end of the spring thaw, allowing the ground to dry for a potential new offensive by Russia, according to The Times.

Military experts believe that Moscow will initiate a multi-pronged offensive in the spring aimed at diverting Ukrainian forces from Donetsk and Luhansk. Additionally, The Times reports that Russia may launch a new offensive from Belarus into northern Ukraine. However, such operations are unlikely to result in Russian forces gaining control over more territory, but it is possible that Russia could draw Ukrainian resources away from the primary conflict zones, the newspaper notes.