Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday that Russia is likely to mobilize another 300,000 soldiers later this year as it seeks to finish taking a coveted portion of eastern Ukraine. In a wide‑ranging statement released to the press, Zelensky said he expects Russia to end the year occupying roughly the same amount of Ukrainian territory it held at the start of the year, despite what he described as “enormous” manpower losses.
According to Zelensky, Russia has lost 267,000 personnel since the beginning of the year, including about 155,000 killed. While the figure cannot be independently verified, it aligns with estimates from Western officials.
Russia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for next month, and analysts have speculated that a fresh mobilization could follow, recalling the 2022 draft that sparked protests and a wave of young men leaving the country. Zelensky said he believes the new mobilization will not be concentrated in major Russian cities.
He added that President Vladimir Putin may deploy the 300,000 newly mobilized soldiers depending on the situation in eastern Ukraine, and that Ukrainian generals have been instructed to complete the occupation of Donetsk region by year‑end. Zelensky asserted, “They’ll lose all 300,000 of these newly mobilized Russians there; we’ll wipe them out.”
Current Ukrainian defensive posture
Ukrainian forces continue to hold about 20% of Donetsk, including strategic industrial towns such as Slaviansk and Kramatorsk. Zelensky said it is impossible for Russia to fully capture the Donetsk region and warned that Russian forces might also attempt incursions into the northern Ukrainian oblasts of Kharkiv and Sumy.
He noted that Russian troops have not yet entered the Bryansk region, which borders northern Ukraine, but that military equipment is visible along the border.
Air‑defense concerns
Zelensky contrasted the number of Patriot missiles supplied to Ukraine in 2023—675—with a projected 264 for the current year, describing a downward trend that depends largely on U.S. decisions. He emphasized that Patriot systems remain the only effective means of intercepting ballistic missiles that have caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Ukraine.
Last month, former President Donald Trump suggested Ukraine could be allowed to produce Patriot missiles under license, but later retracted the idea. Zelensky said that if the United States were to provide up to 10% of its Patriot stockpile, Kyiv would pay for the missiles, a move that could “make a huge difference” in saving lives and strengthening diplomatic ties.
Other missile shortfalls
Ukraine also faces shortages of Aster air‑defense missiles from Europe, despite a recent pledge by French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky said production is ongoing but insufficient, and a licensing agreement could speed up deliveries.
In addition, Ukraine is working to locate Russian launch sites for ballistic missiles. Zelensky estimated Russia’s military industry can produce about 1,300 ballistic missiles per year and said Ukraine has developed a growing arsenal of long‑range drones and cruise missiles used against targets inside Russia.
Technology and diplomatic outreach
Ukraine is seeking permission to use Starlink satellite imagery of Russian territory. Elon Musk, owner of Starlink, expressed concern that such use could lead to a major escalation, but affirmed his personal desire for the war to end.
On the diplomatic front, Zelensky suggested the window for ending the conflict extends through the summer of next year, when the U.S. presidential election campaign begins. He referenced ongoing talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, noting the difficulty of finding a format that would allow Russia to end the war without Ukraine withdrawing from the Donbas or accepting other unacceptable terms.
Overall, Zelensky’s remarks underscore Ukraine’s reliance on continued Western military aid, particularly air‑defense systems, while warning that a large Russian mobilization could intensify fighting in the east before the year’s end.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
