Zelenskyy says Russia plans two waves of mobilization after September elections
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 11 that intelligence reports suggest Russia plans to mobilize hundreds of thousands of men in two waves—one before the end of 2026 and another in 2027—following the September parliamentary elections. He accused the Kremlin of seeking to create an illusion of public support for the war through the vote, with all permitted parties opposing peace. Ukraine is preparing to disrupt the alleged plans, he added.
The Allegations
In a video address, Zelenskyy cited a briefing by Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Oleksiy Ivanashchenko, who presented what he said were internal Russian documents outlining the mobilization plan. The plan envisions a first wave of several hundred thousand recruits by the end of 2026 and a second of equal size in 2027, on top of ongoing contract recruitment efforts. Zelenskyy claimed the Kremlin intends to use the September 18–20 State Duma elections to create the appearance of popular backing for the war, with all registered parties being, in his words, 'anti-peace.'
The Russian Elections
Russia’s State Duma elections are scheduled for September 18–20, 2026. Zelenskyy described the vote as 'an imitation of parliamentary elections' designed to convey a false image of support for the war. He noted that all parties permitted to run are 'against peace,' suggesting the Kremlin aims to legitimize further conflict. The elections will be closely watched by foreign governments for signs of political maneuvering ahead of the claimed mobilization.
Kyiv's Countermeasures
Zelenskyy said he had tasked Ukraine's intelligence and special services with impeding Russia’s mobilization plans. While he did not provide details, he stressed that Ukraine is preparing to act. The announcement follows Kyiv's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian recruitment and logistics through both military and informational means.
What's Next
The Russian parliamentary elections are set for September 18–20, after which any mobilization move would likely become clearer. It remains uncertain whether Moscow will proceed with the alleged call-up and whether Ukraine’s countermeasures can meaningfully disrupt Russian military planning.
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Zelenskyy says Russia plans two waves of mobilization after September elections
