RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin said his country does not need to announce additional mobilization to replenish army ranks in conflict zones.
Putin made the remarks during an annual question and answer session on Thursday.
The Russian President called the issue of another wave of mobilization a sensitive question.
To recall, Russia announced a partial military call-up last fall, where tens of thousands signed up to fight amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Russia announced partial mobilization in September 2022.
Putin said there are around 244,000 mobilized Russian troops currently deployed in the conflict zone, and 486,000 volunteers have signed contracts with the defense ministry.
Meanwhile, 41,000 had been discharged either for health reasons or because they reached the maximum age.
The Russian President said, “together with the volunteers… there are 500,000 people… why do we need mobilization? For today, there is no need.’’
Russian officials, including Putin, have repeatedly said that Ukraine’s counteroffensive had failed.
Earlier in December, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu estimated that Ukraine had suffered over 125,000 casualties since June of this year.
Russia announced partial mobilization in September 2022.
