Russia's army mobilisation has unclear limits

Significance

Putin's 'partial mobilisation' order is intended to provide a substantial pool of additional troops to help end the stalemate and military reverses. It embodies Moscow's commitment to its military objectives and marks an escalation. The defence ministry has sought to clarify what 'partial' means, but many unknowns remain.

Impacts

• Russian escalation is already evident in strikes on electricity and other infrastructure, which are likely to continue.
• Ukraine is likely to have a window of two to three months before Russia potentially begins to benefit from additional forces.
• Russia's autumn conscription round will raise 120,000 men on top of the mobilisation numbers.