ISW: Kremlin seeks to lure volunteers to avoid open mobilization

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin appears to be trying to increase volunteer recruitment among the Russian population, likely due to waning domestic support for the Kremlin's crypto-mobilization efforts.

That is according to a recent report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrinform reports.

The report notes that Putin attended the "Everything for Victory" forum hosted by the People's Front (Narodnyi Front, formerly the All-Russia People's Front) on July 6 in Moscow. The People's Front is a Russian Ministry of Defense- (MoD) and state-backed political coalition of non-governmental organizations and political parties largely led by United Russia.

The People's Front monitors the implementation of Putin's decrees and has increasingly served as a military assistance initiative, providing aid to Russian service members fighting in Ukraine through its "Everything for Victory" program. The organization also includes the "Kulibin Club" drone and electronic warfare (EW) production initiative, which develops and tests technology for the Russian military.

Putin claimed during his address to the forum that the People's Front has become a mass public movement due to "the overwhelming majority of Russian citizens" who wish to defend "the life principles and values" passed down from previous generations and that the Russian military enjoys "universal, nationwide support" among the Russian population

"Putin is likely attempting to shore up public support for the People's Front and the war to increase voluntary recruitment among Russian citizens. Putin's focused messaging on the Russian populace's alleged 'overwhelming' support for Russian forces fighting in Ukraine suggests that the Kremlin is trying to combat issues with voluntary recruitment and societal support for the war. ISW has observed indications that the Kremlin is struggling to maintain its voluntary recruitment rates," the report said.

According to ISW, Putin remains averse to declaring another partial mobilization out of fear of domestic discontent and remains committed to promoting crypto-mobilization efforts.