Zelensky Warns of New Russian Mobilization

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv had presented US negotiators with new proposals for a plan to end the war with Moscow. In his evening address, he called on the US to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and increase pressure on Russia to force it into peace talks. Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine had submitted proposals to the US, although he did not disclose details.

He did not specify the details of the proposals. The announcement comes as US diplomats are expected to arrive in the region.

Zelensky also warned that, according to Ukrainian intelligence, the Kremlin plans to use the upcoming September parliamentary elections as a pretext for another major mobilization. Current reporting confirms that Zelensky warned of Russian mobilization plans after September’s elections.

“And then, after the so-called elections, he plans an additional rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand Russians by the end of the year”, Zelensky said. He added that Russia planned to mobilize a similar number next year.

Russian officials deny reports of a new mobilization. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said another mobilization was unnecessary, pointing to around 200,000 people who had signed military contracts in the first half of the year.

At the same time, Moscow continues to make an end to the conflict contingent on the complete handover of the four Ukrainian regions it claims and a resolution of what it calls the “root causes” of the war, while Kyiv insists on an immediate ceasefire.

(Reuters, Max)