Ukrainian President Zelensky has claimed that Russia intends to recruit another 300,000 troops within this year. He said that after parliamentary elections in September 2926, Russia will boost its war efforts against Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, Moscow could recruit additional forces in 2027 as part of a broader mobilisation plan targeting remote Russian regions.
Russia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 18-20. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their offensive to capture the remaining parts of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.
Zelensky said Russian troops were suffering heavy losses while advancing toward Kostiantynivka and other cities forming Ukraine’s eastern fortress belt.
However, he highlighted recent Ukrainian gains in the southeast. He also claimed territory captured by Russia and reclaimed by Ukraine could remain broadly equal in 2026.
Russia Expands Missile Production
Meanwhile, Russia is increasing missile production as it intensifies air attacks against Ukrainian cities.
Zelensky said Ukraine expects to receive 264 Patriot interceptors in 2026, compared with 364 in 2025 and 675 in 2023.
He added that Russia aims to produce up to 1,300 ballistic missiles annually.
Furthermore, Ukraine has intensified drone strikes against Russian economic infrastructure, including oil refineries and warehouses.
Moscow is set to retaliate against Ukraine’s most sensitive economic sectors in the weeks ahead.
