Zelensky predicts Russia will mobilize 300,000 troops after vote
What's next: Ukraine expects any new draft to follow Russia's Sept. 18-20 parliamentary election and focus on outlying regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv believes Russia will mobilize 300,000 additional troops after Russia's parliamentary election in mid-September, as Moscow presses its offensive in eastern Ukraine. In comments released Aug. 23, Zelensky said the draft would likely avoid major cities and instead target Russia's far-flung regions, part of what he called a broader push that could eventually reach 500,000 troops. He tied the warning to fighting around Kostiantynivka and the wider Donbas campaign, where Ukraine says Russian forces are advancing at heavy cost. Zelensky also said Russia could try to expand pressure on northern areas near Kharkiv and Sumy.