NewsZelensky Reveals Russia's Plan for 300,000 Troop Mobilization

Zelensky Reveals Russia's Plan for 300,000 Troop Mobilization

War in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky talks about additional mobilization of Russians.

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7:22 AM EDT, April 4, 2024, updated: 7:34 AM EDT, April 4, 2024

Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday that Russia is planning another mobilization of its soldiers, potentially involving up to 300,000 individuals. During a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who was visiting Kyiv, the Ukrainian President shared insights into Russia's mobilization plans and addressed queries about any similar measures by the Ukrainian army.

Further mobilization in Russia and Ukraine's stance

Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed, "Russia is gearing up for an additional mobilization of 300,000 soldiers, set to commence by June 1st," as the Interfax-Ukraine news agency quoted.

When asked about Ukraine's mobilization plans, Zelensky responded, "I can't divulge the exact numbers we might mobilize. We certainly won't need half a million," subtly hinting at a more conservative approach.

The President commended Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, for recent efforts to bolster the military ranks. "A considerable number of individuals, previously not positioned at the front, will soon be deployed," he stated.

On a related note, Zelensky recently signed legislation reducing the mobilization age from 27 to 25. The Supreme Council, Ukraine's parliament, ratified this decision in late May 2023.

The pressing need for more Ukrainian soldiers

In December 2023, Zelensky expressed that the military leadership suggested mobilizing an additional 450-500 thousand individuals, emphasizing the sensitive nature of this matter.

Moreover, several experts have highlighted recently that Ukraine might face challenges in regaining the initiative on the battlefield due to its comparatively smaller mobilizable population against Russia.