There Is Talk In Russia Of Imposing Martial Law

• 26.09.2026, 13:54

A Ukrainian expert explained what lies behind the rumors.

In Russia, there is renewed talk of the possible imposition of martial law. The authorities may be using these rumors to gauge public sentiment.

This was reported on Telegram by Andrei Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation .

According to him, claims have recently been circulating that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is allegedly considering imposing martial law in response to a proposal from the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Kovalenko noted that the authorities have not even officially announced a mobilization in Russia but, in his opinion, are carrying it out covertly.

He drew attention to the reaction of Russians to previous reports about a possible mobilization. According to the head of the Center for Political Analysis, due to such rumors, some Russian citizens have left for Georgia, Armenia, and other countries. At the same time, as Kovalenko noted, Russian society’s war fatigue continues to grow.

Why Is There Talk of Martial Law in Russia?

According to the head of the Center for Public Opinion Research, the current talk of martial law may be a way to gauge public sentiment.

“They’ve brought up martial law now to gauge public sentiment in Russia once again; the Kremlin will be conducting a poll,” Kovalenko wrote.

He also believes that these reports may be aimed not only at a Russian audience. In particular, they could be used to create additional concern in Europe and Ukraine.

“This news is meant to scare Europeans and, as Russians believe, us,” added Kovalenko.

At the same time, he noted that he personally does not believe in the scenario of martial law being imposed in Russia.