Putin Rules Out Mobilization, Pledges Stronger Air Defense
Putin says no mobilization needed, citing voluntary enlistment, and vows to bolster air defenses after Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed speculation about a new wave of military mobilization, asserting that there is currently no scenario that would require one. He characterized such talk as an "information attack" by adversaries ahead of the State Duma elections, aimed at influencing the outcome.
Putin contrasted Russia's recruitment approach with Ukraine's, claiming that Russians enlist voluntarily and sign contracts, whereas Ukrainians are "rounded up like stray dogs and dragged to the front by force." His remarks come amid ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
Addressing those attacks, Putin said the primary response is to strengthen Russia's air defense system. He acknowledged that Moscow had initially assumed oil facilities were civilian and should not be targeted, but admitted that assumption was wrong. "Our adversary thinks differently," he said, adding that Russia was forced to respond in kind.
The president noted that Russian companies have begun investing heavily in protecting their facilities, with some spending tens of billions of rubles. He said repairs are progressing rapidly and that the remaining 10% of damaged facilities would soon be restored. Putin also clarified that the state has no intention of nationalizing the oil and gas sector, but a recent decree obliges companies to safeguard their assets or face temporary state control if they fail to do so.