Russian paratroopers. IT photo
Speaking during a question-and-answer session on December 14, Russian President Putin was asked to comment on complaints that military volunteers often rely on aid raised by their compatriots rather than on the support of government.
Putin emphasized that supplies provided by the government account for 99% of total aid, but noted that Moscow welcomes and will not hinder sincere efforts to provide Russian soldiers with a variety of equipment and supplies.
However, he acknowledged that there may be a shortage of specialized high-tech hardware, such as electronic warfare equipment, at a certain time and place, and promised to look into the matter.
I want to repeat, the line of communication (with Ukraine) is more than 2,000km long. There are now 617,000 people in the war zone… So, of course, there could be some problems in some places.
According to Mr. Putin, 244,000 of those participating in the war zone are troops called up when Russia announced partial mobilization in September 2022. They were deployed to stabilize the situation and protect territories. new territory and launch further attacks. At that time, Moscow mobilized 300,000 troops. However, Mr. Putin said, 41,000 people have been discharged from hospital for health reasons or after reaching the maximum age.
Moscow has repeatedly denied plans to announce a second round of mobilization, while the Russian President explained that there was no need to make such a move. Instead, Russia is relying on a steady stream of volunteers willing to sign contracts with the military.
Putin noted that the authorities have registered about 486,000 soldiers in this large-scale recruitment campaign and added that more soldiers will be ready to enlist. However, he did not say how many of them had been deployed to the front, were being trained or were stationed elsewhere.
Commenting on the battlefield situation, Mr. Putin commented that the Russian army “to put it modestly, is improving its position” along the entire line. He also said that Ukraine’s massive counteroffensive – which began in early June – had completely failed and had not gained any territory. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu earlier this month estimated Kiev’s losses at more than 125,000 troops since the start of the offensive.