Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that there is no immediate requirement for an additional mobilization of men to fight in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that any future mobilization would depend on Russia’s desired outcomes in the region.
During a televised meeting with Russian war correspondents and military bloggers, Putin responded to a question about another mobilization by stating, “There is no such need today.” He referred to the previous call-up of 300,000 reservists as a “partial mobilization.”
Putin noted that the number of mobilized individuals would depend on Russia’s objectives. He questioned the necessity of returning to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, which Russian troops failed to capture during the early stages of what Moscow refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Regarding the situation in Russia, Putin acknowledged the need to combat enemy agents and improve the country’s defenses against attacks within its own territory. However, he stated that there is currently no reason to declare martial law or impose special regimes in Russia.
The Russian president commented on Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive, which began on June 4, claiming that it has not been successful in any area. He alleged that Ukraine has suffered massive losses, with casualties ten times greater than those of Russia. According to Putin, Ukraine has lost over 160 tanks and a significant percentage of vehicles supplied from abroad, while Russia has lost 54 tanks.
Putin’s assessment came after Russia claimed to have captured Western vehicles from Ukrainian forces on the battlefield. The situation further escalated with deadly Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown.
In response to the counteroffensive, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine was making advances and gaining ground. NATO is preparing to increase its support for Ukraine during the leaders’ summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Putin declined to confirm whether Russia would launch a new offensive in Ukraine in response to the counteroffensive, stating that Russia’s plans would depend on its military capabilities.
Addressing weaponry, Putin mentioned that Russian arms were improving in quality but highlighted the lack of high-precision ammunition and drones. He expressed the need for these resources, emphasizing that there are insufficient quantities available.
Putin claimed that Russia has increased its production of key weapons by 2.7 times in the past year. He accused the West of supplying weapons to Ukraine and called for an end to these arms supplies as the only way to stop the conflict.
Shortly before Putin’s remarks, the United States announced a new $325 million military aid package for Ukraine, including munitions for air defense systems, ammunition, and vehicles. The aid is being expedited to Ukraine using Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the transfer of articles and services from US stocks without congressional approval during emergencies.
Putin also supported the Ministry of Defense’s order for private military companies to sign contracts by July 1, a directive that the Wagner Group, a prominent mercenary outfit, has refused to comply with.
Additionally, Putin revealed that Russia was considering exiting the Black Sea grain deal, which facilitated the export of Ukrainian grain to the global market. He accused Ukraine of breaching the agreement, claiming that it was being used to benefit European importers rather than “friendly” countries in Africa and Latin America. Putin mentioned the possibility of discussing the grain deal’s future with visiting African leaders and stated that Russia was prepared to supply grain for free to the world’s poorest nations.