Medvedev dismisses fall mobilization rumors as a Ukrainian 'lying provocation'

According to Meduza, Medvedev denied reports that Russia is preparing a new wave of mobilization, calling them 'nonsense' and a 'lying provocation' tied to Ukraine and to the pre-election propaganda campaign. He said around 200,000 people signed contracts with the Defense Ministry in the first half of 2026, though independent outlets report that voluntary recruitment has been declining.