WorldZelensky says Russia plans ‘peripheral’ mobilization of 300,000 after elections

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists that Russia plans to mobilize about 300,000 people after September’s State Duma elections while avoiding major cities to limit public backlash. He said the troops could reinforce Moscow’s offensive toward Donetsk Oblast’s “fortress belt” or create threats elsewhere, including along Ukraine’s northern border.

Russiamilitary mobilizationUkraine warVladimir Putin

TThe Kyiv Independent★★★★☆2026-08-23 10:16Original