The Russian leadership is not interested in conducting a general mobilization in the country, especially in the largest cities, and will likely rely on tens of thousands of North Koreans to replenish its ranks.
This opinion was expressed in an interview with Ukrinform by retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of US forces in Europe.
“I think that the Kremlin is going to do everything it can to avoid having to do a large-scale mobilization. I know it would be very unpopular,” the former commander said.
He noted that the Russian leadership will most likely continue to offer huge bonuses and financial incentives for joining the army to compensate for military losses. However, this will definitely have a negative impact on the workforce and the functioning of factories, which are already few in number.
“I think North Korea is supposed to be sending another 30,000 troops at some point. And this is concerning, because 30,000, that’s not an inconsequential number, and these North Koreans, as I’ve heard, are showing up a little bit better prepared than the first group was,” Hodges added.
In his opinion, the Russian leadership is interested in avoiding general mobilization, especially in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
As reported by Ukrinform, according to South Korean military intelligence, the DPRK continues to supply Russia with large quantities of artillery ammunition to support the war against Ukraine. Pyongyang may have transferred more than 12 million 152 mm caliber shells to Russia.
Source: Kremlin seeks to avoid general mobilization in Russia, says General Hodges
