Russia is currently preparing for a large-scale mobilization that is expected to begin closer to the autumn.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that Petro Andriushchenko, the head of the Center for the Study of the Occupation, stated that the Russian army suffered heavy losses on the battlefield in Ukraine in May and June and is falling significantly behind its plans to recruit new personnel.

Andriushchenko noted that checkpoints and inspections were indeed organized in Penza and the surrounding region, but said this does not indicate the start of a mass mobilization.

He said a more significant development was the mobilization training recently held in the Volgograd region for employees of military enlistment offices, including those from occupied territories, with the exception of Crimea.

“This is what they are preparing for. This is the first time such exercises have been held since the beginning of the war. This indicates that the Russian Federation is launching mobilization efforts,” Andriushchenko emphasized.

He added that residents of occupied territories could become the first mobilization reserve, saying Moscow may use those who received Russian passports in the occupied regions as a source of manpower.