Russia’s armed forces are not planning for a second wave of mobilization and an upcoming military draft is part of a routine conscription program, officials announced Friday.
“I would like to assure you all that the plans of the General Staff do not include a second wave of mobilization,” said Vladimir Tsimlyansky, a representative of the General Staff of Russia’s armed forces, during a briefing about a spring draft campaign.
He added that the defense ministry has “enough” soldiers to fulfil its assigned tasks, and that conscripts will be sent only to points of permanent deployment within Russia.
Russia’s defense ministry routinely conscripts men for compulsory military service twice per year, in spring and the fall.
Conscription involves the selection and enlistment of young men into the military, while mobilization refers to the larger-scale process of calling up reservists and other military personnel in the event of an emergency or war.
The spring conscription, which was signed into effect by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, will apply to 147,000 citizens aged 18-27 and will take place from April 1 to July 15, according to an official document published by the government.
The Kremlin has consistently denied rumors of a possible second wave of mobilization in Russia.
