Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is planning a new mobilization of 300,000 troops following parliamentary elections in mid-September.
Key facts
- •Russia's parliamentary elections are set for September 18-20.
- •Zelensky described the planned mobilization as a 'peripheral' effort targeting regions outside of central cities.
- •Russia is reportedly aiming to develop the capacity to produce up to 1,300 ballistic missiles annually.
- •Ukraine has requested 360 missile interceptors to protect its energy grid during the upcoming winter.
- •Ukraine expects to receive 264 Patriot interceptors in 2026, a decrease from previous years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russia is expected to draft 300,000 additional troops for its war effort following Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18-20. Zelensky stated that this mobilization effort is likely to focus on Russia's far-flung regions rather than central cities. He further indicated that Russia may aim for an overall goal of 500,000 new troops by 2027.
By the numbers
Military Funding and Equipment Challenges
Ukraine is currently managing a $27 billion defense funding gap for the year, attributed to higher-than-expected expenditures during the first half of 2026. Zelensky noted that an additional $8 billion is required for the start of 2027, with another $20 billion needed for military salaries and payments to families of the deceased. Additionally, Ukraine faces a shortage of air-defense interceptors, with the number of Patriot interceptors expected in 2026 falling to 264, compared to 364 in 2025 and 675 in 2023.
Ongoing Offensive and Economic Strikes
Russian forces continue to press toward eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, while Ukraine has escalated drone strikes against Russian economic infrastructure, including oil refineries and warehouses. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would retaliate by targeting Ukraine's sensitive economic sectors. Meanwhile, Ukraine has secured agreements for air-defense support, including a SAMP/T system from France and approximately 600 PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors from Germany through 2028.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Moscow Times.
