Putin Wants to Draft 300K New Troops, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims Russia may draft 300,000 new troops for their war against Ukraine following parliamentary elections in September. Russian forces are currently advancing towards the industrialized Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, where they have made gains at a significant cost to Kyiv. Zelensky stated Russia could expand this mobilization to 500,000 troops in 2027 as part of a "peripheral mobilization" targeting Russia's peripheral regions, though he believes these troops won't be deployed in major cities.

As the war escalates around Kostiantynivka, Zelensky asserts Russia is losing a "maximum" number of troops. He also acknowledges Ukraine's recent advances in southeastern Ukraine, noting the territory occupied by Russia will be matched by what Ukraine has liberated in 2026. Russia is bolstering its offensive with an increasing air campaign targeting Ukrainian cities, despite a shortage of U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors.

Ukraine is retaliating by launching drone strikes on Russian economic infrastructure, including oil refineries and warehouse facilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by accusing Ukraine of opening "Pandora's box" by targeting economic sectors, and vowed a response against Ukraine's most sensitive industries. Zelensky warns Ukraine will face another tough winter of Russian strikes on its energy grid, prompting requests for additional missile interceptors.

However, Ukraine faces a $27 billion defense funding gap this year, requiring $8 billion for a normal start to 2027, plus $20 billion for military salaries, family support, and other expenses. The Moscow Times, in Russia, faces restrictions on its operations due to being labeled an undesirable organization and a foreign agent, sparking a defense of independent journalism.