Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia could issue an additional mobilization order for up to 500,000 troops following the upcoming September elections. He also reiterated the possibility of 30,000 North Korean troops being deployed to Russia.
In an interview with Sky News on July 27, Zelensky cited reports from Ukrainian intelligence, saying, "Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping the war." He projected that Russia might mobilize between 300,000 and 500,000 additional troops in late September or early October, after the State Duma elections, explaining that Putin is keeping the mobilization plans under wraps due to domestic public opinion.
Zelensky warned that if newly mobilized troops are sent to the battlefield without adequate training, it could lead to significant casualties.
He also mentioned the potential for additional North Korean troop deployments, asserting, "North Korea is expected to send 30,000 soldiers to Russia," which he claimed could pose a threat to Western nations. Earlier, on July 25, he stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "Russia has been preparing to accommodate North Korean troops in the Voronezh region since June" and that North Korea is also looking to provide additional ballistic missile launchers.
Neither Russia nor North Korea has officially confirmed any plans for troop deployments. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on related inquiries, stating, "There is no need for commentary."
On the same day, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Portsmouth to discuss strengthening Ukraine's air defense systems and expanding arms production.
Following their meeting, Burnham announced plans to consult with partner nations on additional air defense support to protect Ukraine's energy facilities from Russian missile attacks. The UK plans to provide Ukraine with intellectual property for electronic warfare equipment, known as 'Stone Cloak,' to assist in local production aimed at disrupting Russian drone detection systems.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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