Putin Signs Decree on Mobilization of Reservists: What It Means for the War.

According to ТСН: The Kremlin is ramping up efforts to mobilize reservists who could be sent to Ukraine to participate in combat. Currently, Russia is facing severe losses that do not correspond to its territorial gains.

A report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on December 30 that allows for the deployment of reservists for training at special camps aimed at protecting critical facilities starting in 2026.

Russia's Losses and Mobilization of Reservists

Analysts highlight a statement by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, which indicates that Russia has met its recruitment plan of 406,000 servicemen by 2025, but has already suffered losses exceeding 410,000. ISW notes that over the year, Russian forces have sustained at least 83 losses per square kilometer.

“ISW continues to assess that the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to mobilize reservists for a likely deployment in Ukraine in the future further indicate that Russia is facing increasing pressure to support its force-building needs through a system that utilizes high financial incentives to recruit volunteers.”

Analysts emphasize that the Kremlin's efforts to deploy reservists in Ukraine represent a risky policy for the country.

Changes in the Draft System

Putin officially introduced a decree on the draft for 2026, which will transition the draft cycle in Russia to a year-round format instead of the traditional spring and fall. This order will ensure the activity of Russian military recruiters throughout the year. It is also noted that the decree provides for the conscription of 261,000 individuals for mandatory military service during 2026.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, during the fall draft of 2025, 135,000 servicemen were drafted, indicating the intention to recruit the same number of new conscripts in 2026.

“Changes in the Russian personnel processing system are likely aimed at supporting ongoing efforts to increase the number of Russian armed forces and enabling Russia to mobilize forces more quickly and effectively during a protracted war in Ukraine and a possible future war against NATO, although the Kremlin is not mobilizing draftees for the war.”

It is worth noting that on December 29, Putin signed a decree on mobilization for 2026. According to it, the ranks of the Russian army should be replenished by 261,000 new recruits.

The following day, on December 30, Putin signed a decree to dispatch reservists to protect critical facilities. He also instructed the government to define the list of critically important facilities and other vital infrastructure that should be protected.

Thus, the Kremlin's decision regarding the mobilization of reservists and changes in the draft system underscores the seriousness of the situation that Russia is facing. Against the backdrop of losses and the need to increase military forces, such a strategy raises questions about its effectiveness and potential implications for political stability within the country.