Panic among officials grows in Russia, while Putin "squeezes" businesses – media

Panic is growing among Russian officials amid rumors of a new mobilization after the elections. European experts predict a call-up of up to 300,000 people by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has imposed external management on the assets of Nestlé, Auchan, and Lemano Pro, which experts see as a prelude to confiscation.

Panic is growing among Russian officials and military enlistment office staff amid rumors of a possible large-scale mobilization after the parliamentary elections. European security experts predict a potential call-up of up to 300,000 people by the end of the year. Putin publicly rejects these scenarios, relying on voluntary contracts, but recruitment rates have noticeably declined. The Kremlin has prepared a new digital conscription mechanism with a unified military registration database integrated with tax and medical records. Military analysts point to heavy losses — tens of thousands of people monthly. Simultaneously, Putin signed a decree transferring the assets of Nestlé, Auchan, and Lemano Pro to external management, which experts regard as a prelude to confiscation.