Russia May Mobilize 300,000 More Troops, Ukraine's Zelensky Warns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that Russia is likely to mobilize another 300,000 troops by the end of the year, as Moscow intensifies its efforts to capture territory in eastern Ukraine. Despite significant manpower losses, Zelensky anticipates Russia will occupy the same amount of Ukrainian territory by year's end as it did at the beginning.

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We are confident that following the elections, they will carry out a mobilization. We believe this will not take place in the major cities.

Zelensky claimed Russia has lost 267,000 personnel since the start of the year, including approximately 155,000 fatalities. While this figure is difficult to verify, it aligns with estimates from Western officials. Speculation about a new mobilization is rife, particularly with Russian parliamentary elections approaching next month, despite previous mobilization efforts sparking protests and an exodus of young men.

"We are confident that following the elections, they will carry out a mobilization," Zelensky stated, predicting it would not occur in major cities. He believes these newly mobilized troops will be deployed based on the situation in eastern Ukraine, with a stated goal to complete the occupation of Donetsk by year's end. Zelensky asserted Ukraine's capability to repel these forces, stating, "They’ll lose all 300,000 of these newly mobilized Russians there; we’ll wipe them out."

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They’ll lose all 300,000 of these newly mobilized Russians there; we’ll wipe them out.

Beyond troop movements, Zelensky highlighted concerns regarding air defense capabilities. He noted a significant decrease in Patriot missile supplies from the U.S. in 2024 compared to the previous year, attributing this trend primarily to the American side. He also mentioned a shortage of European Aster missiles, despite a recent pledge from French President Emmanuel Macron, though he suggested licensing agreements could expedite production and supply.

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As you can see, there is, unfortunately, a downward trend, and this depends primarily on the American side.

Zelensky indicated that Ukraine is prepared to purchase Patriot missiles if the U.S. were to supply them, even offering to cover 10% of the stock. He believes such a commitment could significantly impact the conflict, both in saving lives and diplomatically. The president also suggested Russia might attempt incursions into northern Ukrainian regions like Kharkiv and Sumy, noting military equipment observed along the borders with the Russian Federation.

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There aren’t enough ‘Aster’ missiles, even though they are being produced.