Russian Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev denies rumors of an upcoming mobilization, calling them ‘nonsense’ and a ‘lying provocation’ by Ukraine

Per Meduza, Russia's deputy security chief Dmitry Medvedev dismissed mobilization rumors as a false provocation by Ukraine, claiming Kyiv is spreading alarm because of its own manpower shortages ahead of September elections. But Meduza's reporting contradicts the denial: military recruitment by contract has declined through mid-twenty twenty-six, pushing Russia to raise recruitment payments and intensify campaigns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing intelligence data, has said Putin may pursue mobilization after those September parliamentary elections.

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