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What is known about mobilization for the SVO in 2024: statement by the Russian Defense Ministry
In Russia, discussions continue about the possibility of a new wave of conscription of citizens for military service.
Citizens' concerns are related to a possible repetition of the events of autumn 2022, when on September 21, in accordance with the decree of President Vladimir Putin, a partial mobilization was announced.
As of September 2024, the number of military personnel in the Russian Armed Forces is 2,389,130. This increase in numbers occurred after the signing of a presidential decree that will come into force on December 1, 2024. In recent years, the number of military personnel has grown significantly from 1,150,628 in 2022 to 1.32 million in 2023 and 1.5 million in 2024.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that the main focus is currently on recruiting volunteers under contract and there is no need for further mobilization. He noted that no decision will be made to continue mobilization activities, since the Russian military leadership prefers to recruit troops on a voluntary basis.
The 2022 partial mobilization period lasted from September 21 to November 25, during which tens of thousands of citizens were drafted into the armed forces. In early September 2024, President Putin expressed concern about a possible “general mobilization” in Ukraine and the possible conscription of Ukrainian students.
Despite rumors of a possible mobilization in the fall of 2024, the State Duma has denied such statements. Chairman of the State Defense Committee Andrei Kartapolov said: "Information about the rotation of servicemen to reserve forces and naval areas has no substantial basis, and the rotation will be carried out selectively depending on the situation at the front."
There is also an opinion that a general mobilization may be required if the fighting goes beyond the current territory and affects the territory of Russia. However, there is no talk of a large-scale mobilization in 2024 yet.