Russian Official Calls for Mobilization, Citing Looming Threats From the West

Alexei Zhuravlyov, deputy chair of Russia’s State Duma Defense Committee, has called for the country’s male population to prepare for mobilization, citing what he claims is a looming threat from Western nations. 

According to Zhuravlyov, these countries could be ready to launch an attack on Russia within the next three to four years.

While Zhuravlyov noted that Russia currently has enough volunteers, he emphasized the importance of addressing what he described as long-term threats from the West. According to him, this preparation should include building an effective mobilization reserve and ensuring military enlistment offices are operating efficiently.

“Europe is telling us that by 2028–2029, [they and their allies] will be prepared to fight Russia. We need to prepare our male population and, of course, defend the Motherland. We must speak about this openly and without hesitation. If such a situation arises, it won’t be us who provoke it—they’re already saying they intend to fight us,” Zhuravlyov told Abzats.

Zhuravlyov recently responded to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda’s statement that the Kaliningrad region historically belongs to "Little Lithuania" and should preserve its Lithuanian cultural heritage, claiming that the entire Baltic region should be part of Russia, referencing its status during the Russian Empire. He warned Lithuania to “keep their mouths shut” and described its military as “one of the weakest in the world,” asserting that it would be incapable of resisting a confrontation with Russia.

Zhuravlyov’s comments coincide with a recent statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Speaking at a meeting of NATO military chiefs in Brussels, Rutte underscored the need for the alliance to adopt a “military mindset” and prepare for war as a deterrent. He also reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to increasing support for Ukraine.