russia is setting conditions for mobilization of the russian economy as part of preparations for a protracted war in Ukraine. This was reported by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), The Insider reports.
The organization's experts refer to a bill submitted to the State Duma of the russian federation, which prohibits russian businesses from refusing to accept state orders for special military operations and allows the kremlin to make employees work at night or on federal holidays.
The text of the ISW states that the russian authorities are continuing efforts to expand the number of recruits who can be used to conduct hostilities in Ukraine.
russian authorities are also taking measures to integrate the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) directly into the russian energy system, contradicting previous russian statements that the Zaporizhzhia NPP would sell electricity to Ukraine.
russian forces are likely seeking to ensure physical access to transmission lines in order to support the direct flow of Ukrainian energy into russia.
In addition, experts say that russian forces continue their efforts to encircle Lysychansk and are conducting offensive actions to the south and southwest of the city.
Earlier, the russian government proposed to allow businesses to be forced to fulfill state contracts for the benefit of the army and special services regarding “counterterrorist and other operations” outside of russia.
Such a bill was submitted to the State Duma, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and sent to the Duma's defense committee.
The explanatory note states that in the conditions of a “special military operation” in the territories of the so-called “LDPR” and Ukraine have an increased need for the repair of weapons, military equipment and material and technical means. If the bill is approved, the government will be able to engage employees to work at night, on weekends and on non-working holidays.