In Russia, a covert mobilization of the economy is being prepared in preparation for a protracted war in Ukraine. Reported by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The organization's experts refer to a bill submitted to the State Duma that prohibits Russian enterprises from refusing government orders for "special operations" and allows forcing employees to work at night and on holidays.

The text of the ISW says that the Russian authorities are continuing efforts to expand the reserve of recruits who can be used to fight in Ukraine. Russia also plans to integrate the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (NPP) into the Russian energy system, which contradicts previous statements about its intention to continue supplying electricity to Ukraine. The Russian side is trying to gain physical access to power lines in order to ensure a direct flow of electricity to the Russian Federation. In addition, experts said that Russian forces continued to try to encircle Lysychansk and carried out offensive operations to the south and southwest of the city.

Earlier, the government proposed to allow businesses to be forced to obtain state orders in the interests of the army and special services to conduct "counter-terrorism 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 Defense Committee. The explanatory note states that under the conditions of a “special military operation” in the territories of the “LPR” and Ukraine, there is an increased need for the repair of weapons, military equipment and logistics. If the bill is passed, the government will also be able to attract employees to work at night, weekends and non-working holidays.