Russia’s censored war death stats are drawing scrutiny just as President Vladimir Putin renews his call for more volunteer fighters. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin appears to be suppressing mortality data while stepping up patriotic messaging to offset growing problems with recruitment.

Putin leans on “mass public movement” for war support

On 6 July, Putin attended the “Everything for Victory” forum in Moscow City, hosted by the People’s Front — a state-backed coalition of non-governmental groups and political parties formed by Putin in 2011. ISW reports that the coalition is largely led by Putin’s United Russia party and has evolved into a military logistics initiative supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The People’s Front has supplied over 110,000 drones and more than 14,000 vehicles to Russian forces, and its “Kulibin Club” is involved in drone and electronic warfare technology development. During his address, Putin claimed the group had grown into a “mass public movement” thanks to “the overwhelming majority of Russian citizens” who support defending “the life principles and values” passed down through generations. He also asserted that the Russian military enjoys “universal, nationwide support.”

“Putin is likely attempting to shore up public support for the People’s Front and the war to increase voluntary recruitment among Russian citizens,” ISW wrote.

ISW: Kremlin avoids mobilization to contain public backlash, relies on “crypto-mobilization”

ISW stated that Putin is likely trying to boost recruitment through patriotic messaging because the Kremlin is struggling to maintain voluntary enlistment rates. 

“ISW continues to assess that Putin remains averse to declaring another partial mobilization out of fear of domestic discontent and remains committed to promoting crypto-mobilization efforts” – unofficial and less visible recruitment efforts, according to the think tank.

Russia’s censored war death stats raise fresh alarms

While pushing for more volunteers, the Russian government has quietly erased key mortality data from public view. On 5 July, opposition outlet Meduza reported that the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) excluded demographic statistics from its “Socioeconomic Situation in Russia” report covering January to May 2025.

Additionally, electoral statistics researcher Dmitry Kobak said in late June that Rosstat had declined his requests for 2024 data on male excess mortality and monthly death counts by actual date of death.

ISW previously assessed that Rosstat is concealing population data “likely also aims to obscure the Russian military’s high personnel loss rates.”