Zelenskyy Warns of Russian Mobilization Plan; Ukraine Submits Peace Proposals to US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of planning a significant mobilization effort to commence this autumn, shortly after Russia's parliamentary elections in September. Citing intelligence reports and Russian documents, Zelenskyy stated that hundreds of thousands of additional Russian soldiers are expected to be conscripted by the end of the year and a similar number in the following year.

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The mass recruitment of soldiers is being prepared for the autumn, right after the parliamentary elections in September.

Zelenskyy's claims suggest Putin aims to create an impression of widespread Russian support for the ongoing conflict. However, these assertions have not been independently verified, and Kyiv has previously accused Moscow of preparing for further mobilization without subsequent action. The possibility of a new mobilization wave this fall is a subject of ongoing discussion among observers, recalling the approximately 300,000 men drafted during the major mobilization in autumn 2022.

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By the end of the year, it's about several hundred thousand Russians and about as many again for next year.

In parallel, President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has presented its proposals for a peace plan to end the war to the United States. He indicated that the US could play a role in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly its air defense systems, and in applying diplomatic pressure on Russia to prioritize ending the conflict rather than prolonging it. Details of these proposals were not disclosed.

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We have transmitted our proposals to the American side.

The peace talks between Ukraine and Russia remain largely stalled. Russia's demands for a settlement include the full cession of four regions it claims, despite not fully occupying them. Meanwhile, in southern Ukraine, a Russian attack near the port city of Odesa resulted in two fatalities and three injuries, according to regional military governor Oleh Kiper.

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The USA could help strengthen Ukraine's defense, especially with air defense. They could also put pressure on Russia so that its plans aim for an end to the war instead of an extension.