The Russian dictator could soon be forced to call for mass mobilisation, according to Finland’s former prime minister and European political veteran Alexander Stubb, amid mounting military losses in Ukraine.
Stubb warned that such a move could provoke backlash from the Russian public, creating a significant political problem for the Kremlin.
“For one per cent of Ukrainian territory, [Putin has] lost 500,000 Russian soldiers. That puts things into perspective. Currently, we are seeing Ukrainians inflict over 30,000 casualties on Russian forces,” Stubb said, highlighting the staggering human cost of the conflict.
Reports indicate Russian authorities are already stepping up pressure on potential recruits. Police in Moscow have reportedly been raiding areas with migrant populations, sending more than 40 individuals to military recruitment offices, where they could be dispatched to the front line.
The Kremlin has sought to downplay concerns. A spokesperson stated that mass mobilisation is not currently under consideration, even as influential pro-war commentators inside Russia voice frustration at military setbacks.
State TV war commentator Aleksandr Sladkov lamented the vulnerability of Russia’s oil infrastructure, citing Ukrainian strikes on key ports and refineries. “We’ve been kicked in the balls again,” he said, referring to repeated attacks on the Ust-Luga port on the Gulf of Finland. Sladkov questioned Moscow’s strategy, adding: “What kind of cunning plan is this, which sees our businesses swatted like flies with a flyswatter?”
Even prominent war advocates are expressing doubt. Maksim Kalashnikov claimed that Russia’s ruling elite now views the leadership as a liability rather than an asset.
Standing before a portrait of Mikhail Gorbachev, he said the elite are eager to end the war and restore the ability to trade freely with Europe, resume hydrocarbon sales, and travel without restrictions.
With Russian forces suffering heavy losses and domestic dissatisfaction mounting, analysts warn that Putin may soon confront one of the most difficult political decisions of his presidency — whether to escalate conscription in a bid to sustain the war effort.
