Kremlin's Fear of Public Backlash: Why Putin Hesitates on a New Mobilization, According to Portnikov.

Vladimir Putin's Cautious Approach to Decision-Making

According to Espreso.tv: Journalist Vitaliy Portnikov has offered his analysis of Vladimir Putin's reluctance to make bold moves, particularly regarding a potential new wave of mobilization. In his view, the Russian president is holding back from a large-scale call-up because he dreads a hostile reaction from the Russian populace. This hesitation underscores just how wary the Kremlin has become of any decisions that could spark widespread discontent among ordinary citizens.

Shifts Within Russian Society

Commenting on the current climate in the country, Portnikov noted that the mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin revealed how rapidly Russian society can change. That episode forced the authorities to think twice about stability and the potential fallout from their own actions.

“In Russia, everything is quiet, quiet—and then suddenly, boom! There are no forecasts or warnings, but just a few events can cause the government to collapse.” – Vitaliy Portnikov

Portnikov further stressed that in today's atomized society, almost anything is possible. That is precisely why Putin is in no hurry to adopt measures that could act as a trigger for an internal crisis.

“There are decisions that even Putin is not yet ready to make. First and foremost, that means a general mobilization.” – Vitaliy Portnikov

These remarks by Portnikov capture the broader tension simmering within Russian society, where any government decision could set off social upheaval. With stability being a top priority for the Kremlin, Putin may be forced to explore alternative strategies to sustain his regime. It is also worth noting that the situation inside Russia could have ripple effects on its foreign policy, especially in relations with neighboring countries, as domestic instability might lead to unpredictable external actions.