Russia expanding mobilization, planning further offensive operations – Zelensky

According to Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky said this on Facebook following a report by the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko.

“We have obtained specific documents from the Russian General Staff confirming that the occupiers themselves acknowledge their inability to fulfill the tasks set by their political leadership. Ukraine’s Defense Forces are ensuring the destruction of the Russian army’s offensive potential, with irrecoverable losses among the occupiers already approaching 60% of total losses. Despite this, Russia’s political leadership is planning further offensive operations and is preparing to bring in more personnel, including through expanding mobilization processes inside Russia,” Zelensky said.

According to him, Ukraine’s task is to further increase the proportion of irrecoverable losses among the invaders, intensify drone deployment along the frontline, and scale up “long-range sanctions” targeting Russia’s weapons production and oil sector.

“We will also inform our partners about the continued development in Moscow of plans for operations against NATO countries, as well as attempts to draw Belarus more deeply into the implementation of Russia’s objectives,” Zelensky added.

As reported by Ukrinform, Russia plans to recruit about 20,000 foreign nationals, including migrants, into its army in 2026.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine