German Institute for International and Security Affairs Questions Russian Mobilization Plans Amidst Other Priorities
The German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) has expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of a Russian military mobilization this year. Janis Kluge, a Russia expert at SWP, suggests that President Vladimir Putin is more focused on controlling Russian airspace and targeting Kyiv with missiles rather than initiating a new mobilization. Kluge notes that while recruitment efforts are ongoing, they are less politically problematic than a full-scale mobilization would be. The discussion around potential mobilization emerged earlier this summer, with Russian media speculating that it could occur after the State Duma elections. However, Kluge believes the current frontlines in Ukraine serve more as a tool to pressure Kyiv into capitulation rather than a focus on territorial gains. Defense analyst Michael Kofman from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace also doubts a mobilization this year, citing the failure of Russian offensives and suggesting any mobilization would not impact ... 
