Ukrainian claims that Russia is supposedly “on the verge of mobilization” are lies and a provocation, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said.

He noted that the situation facing the Ukrainian armed forces is currently dire, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

“To change that picture, they are spreading nonsense about Russia being ‘on the verge of mobilization.’ I deal with this matter directly on the instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, so I can state with full responsibility: we have absolutely no need for mobilization,” Medvedev stressed.

“It is all lies, falsehoods, and a provocation intended solely to worry the population, especially ahead of the State Duma elections,” he added.