500,000 Russians to be called up, Zelensky says, citing Putin's plans

According to 5 канал: Now entering its 1615th day, the Russia-Ukraine war shows no signs of abating.

Kremlin's Mobilization Plans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to conscript 500,000 Russian citizens for the war. According to Zelensky, Putin's fear of public backlash forces him to tread carefully on the issue of conscription. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow has no intention of ending the conflict.

Zelensky stated on July 25 that Putin is laying the groundwork for a broader mobilization drive. As a result, Russia is expected to launch a massive conscription campaign in early October. Additionally, the Rosgvardia revised its civil defense regulations, incorporating measures to safeguard citizens during mobilization. Analyst Oleksandr Shulga remarked that the Kremlin's actions show complete indifference to the views of Russian society, which a May 2024 survey found is against compulsory military service.

"The one remaining red line for Russians, and it has remained unchanged over the years, is the unacceptability of forced mobilization," said Shulga.

Ukraine's Reaction to Russian Aggression

In response to Russian attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, Ukraine called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council. Ukrainian official Andriy Sybiha said, "We demand a firm and unambiguous reaction to Russia's recent strikes on civilian infrastructure and merchant vessels in the Black Sea."

Ukrainian forces remain active against enemy positions in occupied areas. During the night of July 26, the GUR targeted a Russian S-400 Triumph missile system in Crimea. The following night, Ukrainian troops eliminated:

• a drone control relay station near Zaliznyi Port;
• a bridge crossing the Henichesk Strait.

On the same day, aviators from the 7th Battalion 'Topota' under the 414th Separate Brigade 'Ptahy Madara' destroyed a Russian KAB-20 drone carrier over the Kursk region at 4,300 meters, using the 'Chaklun-KM' interceptor.

All this is happening on the 1615th day of the full-scale war. The challenges confronting Russian society are growing increasingly severe. President Zelensky noted, "Putin is getting a lot of questions – internal questions – from the people: 'Where is the gasoline? What should we do? How can we survive without logistics? Without diesel?' So the situation is genuinely extremely complicated."

President Zelensky's remarks highlight the dire circumstances in Russia, where public opposition to conscription may sway the Kremlin's next moves. Meanwhile, Ukraine's sustained military efforts demonstrate that the conflict is far from over and that Kyiv remains committed to protecting its land, even as Russian threats persist. These events could substantially affect global diplomacy and regional stability.

As the situation evolves, the potential for expanded mobilization in Russia raises concerns about the Kremlin's long-term strategy. For a deeper understanding of these developments and their implications, you can read more about Russia's plans for broader military conscription and the absence of any peace initiatives.