Zelenskyy warns Russia plans new soldier mobilization for Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russian authorities are planning to expand mobilization efforts this autumn, according to intelligence reports. Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to recruit more soldiers to bolster the military campaign in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for Ukraine and its allies to apply pressure on Russia to seek peace instead of further escalating the conflict.

This development comes amid ongoing challenges for the Russian military in recruiting new personnel. Putin previously initiated a "partial mobilization" in autumn 2022, a move that remains in effect as of 2023. Reports indicate that Russia's armed forces are currently losing more soldiers on the front lines than they can replace. Zelenskyy highlighted this disparity, suggesting that Russia's military strategy is faltering despite Putin's intent to intensify the war effort.

Independent Russian media, including the outlet Verstka, have reported that the Kremlin is secretly discussing the need for increased mobilization due to declining recruitment numbers. In April and May of this year, Moscow's mayoral office reported sending fewer troops to the front compared to the previous year, with approximately 1,000 fewer recruits during that same period. Additionally, the recruitment rate for soldiers on fixed-term contracts has reportedly halved in the last quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, and this trend appears to be worsening.

Analysts from the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War noted that any decision to mobilize additional troops will ultimately rest with Putin and will depend on his assessment of the military situation and internal stability within the Kremlin. As concerns about recruitment persist, there are signs of increased emigration among Russians seeking alternatives, such as a surge in demand for rental apartments in Armenia. This trend mirrors the exodus seen following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.