Can general mobilization be possible in Russia? Opinion of a columnist from The Times

The main theses of the article were published by Radio Liberty journalist Levko Stek on his TG channel.

If Putin agrees to this, it will mean the end of the legend of a "special operation" and a protracted war that will affect an entire generation of Europeans in both the west and east of the continent.

Boyce cites a comment from a US CNA military analyst who says: Without a general mobilization, Donbass is the last big offensive that the Russian military can carry out, given the current state and availability of forces. Whether it succeeds or not, the Russian military will be depleted in terms of offensive capability.

General mobilization could boost the morale of the Russian army .

But, Beuys writes, this will not solve the systemic problems she has faced : the quality of the general staff, lack of flexibility, poor coordination between tanks, infantry and aircraft, confusing supply logistics. In addition, the mobilized are unlikely to be sent for several months of training, and therefore their competence will be questionable. Beuys also suggests that under conditions of general mobilization, it will be much more difficult to hide information about military failures and the number of deaths, which can cause discontent among the population.

However, Putin may be willing to try, the article says.

Beuys recalls that a "victory parade" will be held on Red Square in Moscow on the occasion of May 9th. There, Putin is likely to push the narrative for the next phase of the war.

Roger Boyce recalls the explosions at fuel depots in Bryansk near the Russian-Ukrainian border. One of the explanations is that the Ukrainian special forces are working in this territory in order to interrupt the supply channels for the upcoming battles in the Donbass.

Another option is that these events can become a convenient excuse for Putin that "Mother Russia is in danger," and therefore a general mobilization is inevitable.

This (general mobilization and protracted war without end) would be a terrible outcome for Europe, for the US and, of course, for Ukraine. But also for the Russians, who will eventually have to accept the reality that they are ruled by an unbalanced tyrant, The Times article sums up.