Russia is not preparing to mobilize more men to fight, President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, describing such speculation as Ukrainian “disinformation.”
In 2022 and a few months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin ordered the unpopular “partial mobilization” of reservists amid a string of military set backs.
The decision prompted an exodus of draft-age men from Russia and the Kremlin has since repeatedly denied plans for another mobilization.
“There is no scenario today that would require mobilization,” Putin told a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
“This is a disinformation campaign by the enemy in the run-up to the State Duma elections, aimed at influencing the outcome,” he added, referring to Russian parliamentary elections later this month. “As is well known, our people enlist voluntarily and sign a contract.”
Putin had already dismissed mobilization speculations earlier this week, calling such reports “utter nonsense” and an “information attack” against Russia.
What did Putin say about peace in Ukraine?
Putin once again claimed there was a chance for peace with Ukraine, but stressed the conflict must be resolved by Moscow and Kyiv.
His statements come amid intensified Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Meanwhile, Kyiv has intensified its attacks deeper within Russia, striking online retailers and other civilian targets.
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Putin thanked countries which were making an effort to mediate a resolution to the conflict. He said the US and China, among others, were ready to support a peace settlement.
“Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict — Russia and Ukraine. This is the correct approach. Yet, we are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is,” Putin said.
Still, he went on to condemn Ukraine, saying warnings about risks to planes in Russian airspace amount to “state terrorism.” On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that his country’s drones have made Russian airspace unsafe for planes.
How has Moscow responded to Zelenskyy’s airspace warning?
On Thursday, Russia’s Transport Ministry said it has provided clarifications to foreign airlines about Russian airports’ and airspace safety measures.
“They work very closely with us and understand all our rules, standards and how we ensure flight safety,” Russian news agency Interfax quoted Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin as saying.
He added that the clarifications were given in response to requests from foreign carriers.
On Wednesday, Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsiya stressed in a statement that the country’s “air transport, its ground infrastructure, continue to operate normally, receiving and dispatching flights, including those of foreign airlines.”
European and US carriers have avoided Russian airspace since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, other airlines from China, Turkey and the Gulf states still use it.
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Edited by: Zac Crellin
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