Ukraine warns of potential Russian mobilization of 300,000 troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine anticipates Russia planning to draft an additional 300,000 troops following the Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for mid-September. This potential mobilization is viewed as part of a strategy to secure the remainder of the industrialised Donbas region.

Zelenskiy suggested that Russia might continue mobilizing hundreds of thousands of men through 2027, potentially reaching a goal of 500,000 troops through peripheral mobilization in remote regions. He noted that while these efforts might avoid central cities, the recruitment would be difficult to conceal.

In addition to manpower concerns, Zelenskiy highlighted Russia's efforts to increase missile production to 1,300 ballistic missiles per year. He also noted a projected decline in the delivery of U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors to Ukraine, with expectations dropping from 675 in 2023 to 264 in 2026.