Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday that Russia is likely to mobilize at least 300,000 additional soldiers before the end of the year. Zelensky’s remarks came amid speculation that the upcoming Russian parliamentary elections next month could trigger a fresh draft, despite the backlash that followed the 2022 mobilization order.
Projected troop increase and recent losses
Zelensky claimed Russia has lost 267,000 personnel since the start of the year, including roughly 155,000 killed. While the figures cannot be independently verified, they align with estimates from Western officials. He added that the new mobilization would be focused away from major Russian cities, suggesting a regional deployment strategy.
Impact on the Donetsk front
The Ukrainian leader said President Vladimir Putin intends to deploy the newly mobilized forces to the eastern front, particularly the Donetsk region. Zelensky warned that the 300,000 fresh troops could be lost in the fighting, stating, “We’ll wipe them out.” Currently, Ukrainian forces hold about 20% of Donetsk, defending industrial towns such as Slaviansk and Kramatorsk.
Potential moves in northern Ukraine
Zelensky also noted the possibility of Russian incursions into the northern oblasts of Kharkiv and Sumy. He observed Russian military equipment near the border but said there are no troops yet in the Bryansk region, which borders northern Ukraine.
Air‑defense shortfalls
On the air‑defense front, Zelensky contrasted the 675 Patriot missiles supplied to Ukraine in 2023 with an expected 264 this year, highlighting a downward trend that depends largely on U.S. decisions. He recalled that former President Donald Trump had briefly suggested Ukraine could produce Patriot missiles under license, but later withdrew the idea.
Zelensky said Kyiv would be willing to purchase up to 10% of the United States’ Patriot stock if the U.S. agreed to supply them, arguing that such a commitment could save lives and strengthen diplomatic ties.
European missile supplies and Russian production
Ukraine also faces shortages of Aster air‑defense missiles from Europe, despite recent pledges from French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky said a licensing agreement could speed up deliveries.
Regarding Russian ballistic missile production, Zelensky estimated Russia’s military industry can produce about 1,300 missiles annually. He said Ukraine is actively hunting launch sites inside Russia and has developed its own long‑range drones and cruise missiles for strikes across the border.
Technology and diplomatic talks
The president mentioned ongoing discussions with Elon Musk’s Starlink about using satellite imagery of Russian territory, noting Musk’s belief that such data could risk escalation. Zelensky affirmed Musk’s stated preference for ending the war.
In diplomatic terms, Zelensky suggested a window for peace negotiations may extend through the summer following the U.S. presidential election cycle. He referenced U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as working to outline realistic options for ending the conflict without requiring Ukraine to abandon the Donbas region.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
