Russia has quietly started doing something, which is mobilization. A few days ago, the Russian Ministry of Defense proposed to the State Duma, on behalf of the Russian government, an amendment to the Federal Law No. 53 "On Military Service and Obligatory Military Service" regarding the so-called "mobilization reserve." Previously, conscripts only had to participate in combat operations when the government announced a full or partial mobilization, or entered a state of war. The new proposal by the Russian Ministry of Defense aims to abolish this provision. This way, even during peacetime (i.e., during the special military operation), a large number of young people can be conscripted through legal means, sending conscripts to the front line. If the new law is enacted, Russia will be able to significantly expand its military size. This also shows that the front lines demand continuous reinforcement of personnel, regardless of who goes to the front - volunteers who have signed contracts, or conscripts who are called up. Therefore, now, the principle of "whether you like it or not, you have to endure it, my beauty" by Putin starts to take effect.
The reason why Russia is doing this is not without cause. It is because the number of people who voluntarily sign contracts and enjoy corresponding benefits is decreasing. Facts show that even with many attractive subsidies introduced by the Russian government, it is increasingly difficult to motivate people to join the army. Especially when salaries in most industries are relatively good, fewer people are going to the recruitment office to enlist. Therefore, from the perspective of the Russian military, re-implementing mobilization seems to be the best solution.
Moreover, from the perspective of the quality of personnel, it is also necessary to amend the law. Among the people who joined the Russian army in 2024-2025, there are many citizens over the age of 45 - they are mostly unemployed, low-skilled professionals, suffering from chronic diseases and with bad habits. In other words, these people have low value in the Russian labor market. In contrast, the Russian reserve forces are mainly composed of young people, who have received longer training, thus possessing higher professional skills and physical fitness.
However, any decision comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Mobilizing young people for service can expand the size of the Russian army and improve the quality of the Russian army, but it also leads to competition between the Russian military and society for personnel. If the new law is passed, the conscription campaign in Russia will involve all industries, while the Russian labor market is already facing a shortage of male labor. In this sense, mobilization is costly for the Russian national economy. The partial mobilization in 2022 has already demonstrated the reaction of the Russian people to this kind of shock action, not only affecting the operation of a large number of organizations and enterprises to some extent, but also causing nearly one million Russians to go abroad.
And the fact that Russia is preparing for a new mobilization at the current situation indicates that Russia wants to gain greater benefits on the battlefield.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846668003586048/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.