Ukrainian intelligence says Russia is preparing a major new wave of mobilisation this autumn — immediately after its parliamentary elections.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this following a briefing by the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, Oleh Ivashchenko.

According to the President, the findings of Ukrainian intelligence are corroborated by internal Russian documents obtained by the Defence Intelligence.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the Russian authorities first plan to hold elections intended to create the impression of public support for the war, and only then move on to a new stage of mobilisation.

According to intelligence data, Russia could mobilise several hundred thousand people by the end of this year, and roughly the same number again over the course of next year. This refers to an additional call-up that would be carried out in parallel with the current recruitment of contract soldiers.

“We are preparing our own active measures to make it as difficult as possible for Russia to implement such plans. I have set the relevant tasks for our intelligence and special services,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine’s special services and Defence Forces continue to monitor internal processes in Russia in order to respond in good time to the enemy’s attempts to increase its troop numbers and step up pressure at the front.