Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the Kremlin is preparing a new large-scale mobilization campaign following Russia's State Duma elections. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia plans to draft between 300,000 and 500,000 additional troops.

The President made the remarks during an interview with Sky News.

According to Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of ending the war against Ukraine and is instead seeking to significantly expand Russia's military forces.

"Our intelligence indicates that Putin intends to begin a new mobilization after the State Duma elections on September 21. It will likely start in early October," Zelenskyy said.

He added that the Kremlin is expected to conduct the mobilization quietly to avoid provoking widespread public discontent within Russia.

Ukraine Calls for Preventive Measures

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine and its international partners should act now to make Russia's plans more difficult to implement.

He called for:

  • stronger international sanctions against Russia;
  • continued strikes on Russian military logistics;
  • disrupting supplies of weapons and fuel supporting Russian military operations.

Poorly Trained Troops Expected

According to the President, although mobilizing several hundred thousand people may be feasible for the Kremlin, adequately training such a large number of recruits in a short period will be far more difficult.

"These soldiers will be sent to the front with insufficient training, which will inevitably lead to significant losses," Zelenskyy said.

He also noted that available polling suggests many Russians oppose another wave of mobilization and are tired of the war, even though many continue to support the current government.

Russia Preparing for a Longer War

Zelenskyy warned that Moscow continues to prepare for an expansion of its military campaign against Ukraine and will require additional manpower to sustain offensive operations.

He emphasized that Ukraine, together with its allies, must take proactive steps to weaken Russia's military capabilities and prevent the Kremlin from successfully carrying out another large-scale mobilization.