Khodorkovsky: The New Mobilization Will Hit Educated Russians Hard

• 20.08.2026, 16:49

Undergraduate students, graduate students, and engineers may be subject to the draft.

Public figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky believes that after the State Duma elections, the Kremlin may announce a new wave of mobilization. This time, in his opinion, it will primarily affect educated residents of large cities, according to the publication “Echo”.

“The new mobilization will not target small towns and villages, but will be specifically aimed at the educated class in major cities—students, graduate students, and engineers,” Khodorkovsky stated.

According to Russian independent media reports, preparations for a possible mass conscription may have been underway for several months. In particular, there have been reports of training grounds being prepared to receive new recruits this fall. At the same time, the authorities may not formally refer to what is happening as a new mobilization.

Against the backdrop of a labor shortage, the Kremlin is also expanding its options for military recruitment. In July, the State Duma passed a law allowing military contracts to be signed with certain citizens who have outstanding criminal convictions.