Zelensky warns Russia may mobilize 300,000 more troops ahead of elections

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Russia is likely to mobilize about 300,000 additional troops before the end of the year, as it seeks to complete the capture of parts of eastern Ukraine. He noted that Russia has suffered heavy personnel losses since the start of the year, estimating 267,000 casualties, including roughly 155,000 killed, figures that align with Western assessments.

Zelensky added that after next month’s parliamentary elections, Moscow is expected to carry out the mobilization, likely avoiding major cities. He warned that the new conscripts would be deployed to the eastern front, particularly in the Donetsk region, which Ukrainian forces currently hold about 20% of, including industrial towns such as Slaviansk and Kramatorsk.

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

He also suggested Russia might attempt incursions into the northern Kharkiv and Sumy regions, noting the presence of Russian military equipment near the border.

On air-defence, Zelensky contrasted the 675 Patriot missiles supplied to Ukraine in 2023 with a projected 264 for the current year, attributing the shortfall mainly to the United States. He said a U.S. commitment to provide up to 10% of its Patriot stock, with Ukraine covering the cost, could significantly reduce civilian casualties.

Zelensky highlighted shortages of European-made Aster missiles despite a pledge from French President Emmanuel Macron, and said a licensing agreement could speed up deliveries. He claimed Russia’s defence industry can produce about 1,300 ballistic missiles annually and said Ukraine is working to locate launch sites inside Russia.

The president also mentioned efforts to obtain permission to use Starlink satellite imagery of Russian territory, referencing comments by Elon Musk that such use could risk escalation. Zelensky said discussions with Washington on this issue are ongoing.

Regarding diplomatic efforts, Zelensky said a window for ending the war may extend through next summer, before the U.S. presidential election campaign begins. He noted that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner find it difficult to devise a format for a Russian-Ukrainian settlement that does not require Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region.