Russia Struggles with Troop Shortages, Launches Hidden Mobilization in Dagestan

The Russian authorities have initiated a new wave of covert mobilization in Dagestan, focusing especially on the city of Makhachkala.

This was reported by representatives of the Atesh movement.

According to partisan sources, the streets of the city are now under tight control by police patrols, who are carrying out widespread identity checks.

“Officially, this is part of the routine summer draft,” the message reads, “but in reality, it’s a sweep for ‘cannon fodder’ to refill the ranks of Russia’s depleted military units.”

Residents report that young men are being stopped in the streets and, if found without a valid deferment, are promptly taken to military enlistment offices.

“There, they’re registered and then left at the mercy of chance — anything from being issued a summons to being shipped off immediately to assembly points. In one instance, a young man was bundled into a minibus without explanation; days later, he was deployed,” the partisans claim.

This covert mobilization, observers note, is a clear indication of a serious manpower shortage within the Russian armed forces. Following the severe losses suffered during 2024–2025, the military leadership is increasingly turning to Russia’s national republics to replenish its ranks.

As a reminder, cadets of the Military Institute of Communications from St. Petersburg are undergoing “practice” at the front, while the main building of the educational institution remains empty.

By the way, in the temporarily occupied part of the Kherson region, the Russian occupiers are setting fire to their own positions and refusing to follow orders.

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