Kathmandu— Russian authorities are reportedly planning to expand mobilization in the autumn, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Citing intelligence sources, Zelenskyy stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to recruit additional soldiers for the war against Ukraine. Independent media reports suggest Russia's army is struggling with recruitment and high casualty rates.

Intelligence Reports Point to Mobilization

Ukrainian intelligence services have reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin may launch a new mobilization drive this autumn, citing the need for additional troops. According to Zelenskyy, Putin is concealing his intentions behind various signals and making preparations accordingly.

Independent media outlets Verstka and Vaschnyje Istorii published an investigative report in late June indicating that Russia's leadership was secretly discussing mobilization due to difficulties in recruiting new conscripts.

Military Recruitment Challenges

The reports from Verstka and Vaschnyje Istorii highlighted significant challenges in military recruitment. Figures by Moscow’s mayoral office showed that the city sent fewer people to the front lines this year compared to last year, with a notable drop of around 1,000 fewer recruits during April and May.

The news outlets also cited sources from different Russian regions revealing a decline in applications for army contracts. Military personnel interviewed by Verstka said that contract soldiers being sent to fight were often unfit for combat, with many new arrivals fleeing the front lines.

Expert Analysis and Official Responses

Military expert Yan Matveyev told DW that figures provided by Russian officials are not too far off from independent researchers' analyses. However, he believes the current recruitment rate is insufficient for Russia to secure a military victory over Ukraine.

Andrei Klishas, a member of the Russian Federation Council, dismissed rumors about a possible new mobilization, calling them 'pre-election propaganda.' Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, claimed that in the first half of 2026, some 200,000 people had enlisted in the Russian army.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.