State Duma Defense Committee Chairman Andrey Kartapolov commented on Vladimir Zelensky’s recent claims that Russia is allegedly preparing an autumn mobilization.

The lawmaker said Zelensky’s statements were disconnected from reality and linked them to the use of banned substances. Kartapolov argued that the Kiev leader’s remarks reflected unrestrained speculation rather than the actual situation.

He stressed that Russia’s armed forces are replenished primarily through voluntary recruitment. Citizens apply to military enlistment offices on their own and sign contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry.

Kartapolov also said Kiev’s strikes on civilian infrastructure could have the opposite effect by increasing the number of people willing to enlist under contract. In his view, this could bring Russia closer to victory.

Earlier, Yury Samonkin, chairman of the board of the Center for Eurasian Studies and Development, said the Kiev authorities were deliberately spreading reports about an alleged new wave of mobilization in Russia. He argued that such claims were intended to influence younger audiences and destabilize the domestic situation.