Zelensky Warns Russia Plans to Mobilize 300,000 New Troops for Eastern Ukraine Offensive

Russian President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to mobilize an additional 300,000 troops later this year as Moscow seeks to secure the complete capture of the Donetsk region in east Ukraine, according to remarks released Sunday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Despite experiencing massive casualties—which Zelensky estimated at 267,000 total personnel lost since the start of the year, including approximately 155,000 killed—the Russian leader is anticipated to initiate a fresh draft following upcoming parliamentary elections next month.

“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 stated. He added that Putin intends to deploy these 300,000 newly mobilized soldiers based on operational conditions in eastern Ukraine, specifically targeting the remaining 20% of Donetsk defended by Ukrainian units, which includes strategic industrial towns such as Slaviansk and Kramatorsk.

Addressing the critical issue of air defense, Zelensky highlighted a downward trend in the supply of Patriot missiles, comparing the 675 units provided in 2023 with the forecasted 264 missiles for this year. Pointing primarily to the American side, he noted that ballistic missile attacks are increasing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Ukraine. Zelensky proposed that if the US supplied up to 10% of its Patriot missile stocks, Kyiv would pay for them, adding that similar licensing bottlenecks affect European-supplied Aster air defense missiles from France despite a pledge by French President Emmanuel Macron.

As Ukraine continues to utilize its own long-range drones and cruise missiles against targets inside Russia, Zelensky also addressed discussions regarding Starlink satellite imagery. According to Zelensky, Elon Musk declined to grant permission over concerns it could lead to a major escalation against the Russian Federation, maintaining that he favors ending the conflict rather than prolonging it.

Regarding potential peace negotiations, Zelensky indicated that the current window of opportunity extends through the end of next summer, noting that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are working alongside Kyiv to formulate realistic options to end the war without forcing Ukraine to accept unacceptable terms or withdraw from Donbas.