Russia Holds Off on Draft as Frontline Losses Rise, Bets on Volunteers

Russia has no plans for a new nationwide mobilization despite rising frontline losses and troop shortages, instead leaning on volunteer recruitment under Defense contracts that are hard to secure. Analysts warn a second draft could harm the economy and provoke public discontent, while North Korea is reported to have deployed 30,000–50,000 troops to bolster Moscow’s forces.