Zelensky says Putin plans new mobilization and war expansion amid EU sanctions talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a joint press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing an additional mobilisation in Russia and intends to widen military actions against Ukraine. Zelensky said the discussion focused on threats ahead of the autumn, noting that Russia has intensified daily strikes on Ukrainian civilians.

He highlighted the importance of the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia and said Martin assured him that work on a 22nd package is under way, with coordination sought from partners outside the EU. Zelensky also accused Moscow of planning to hinder Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea and warned of increased Russian attacks on vessels in the region.

The president added that Ukrainian and US officials may meet in the United States soon to discuss ways to boost peace negotiations, and announced that the new commander of Ukraine’s armed forces and the interim defence minister will improve military reporting and mobilisation efforts.