Ukraine Warns of Russian Mobilization

Ukraine’s military and foreign intelligence agencies say Russia is preparing a new mobilization campaign that could call up as many as 600,000 people during 2026 and 2027. The assessment, published on the official website of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, estimates that Russia could seek 300,000 recruits this year and a further 300,000 next year.

According to the briefing, Russian forces suffered approximately 240,000 personnel losses between January and July 2026, including at least 140,000 classified by Ukrainian intelligence as irrecoverable. During the same period, about 232,000 people were recruited under contract, but recruitment has reportedly slowed in several regions.

The Ukrainian agencies said Russia is preparing legislative changes and administrative measures to support another mobilization wave. These reportedly include tighter military registration, electronic mobilization orders, expanded recruitment of convicted prisoners—including some women—and greater responsibilities for regional authorities and law enforcement agencies. Training for mobilized personnel could last between 15 and 60 days, with some training potentially taking place in Belarus, the briefing said.

Ukraine also reported growing difficulties in Russia’s contract recruitment campaign, citing shortfalls in regions including Oryol, Vladimir, Dagestan, Kurgan and Volgograd. The briefing said Russian authorities may introduce additional restrictions on people subject to mobilization, including travel bans, limits on financial transactions and the suspension of certain licenses. Ukrainian intelligence assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin could decide on mobilization after State Duma elections scheduled for Sept. 18–20.