Ukrainian president says Russia needs additional 300,000 troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he does not know what form Russia’s mobilisation will take after the elections, but is confident it will happen because the Russian military needs an additional 300,000 personnel.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia will now communicate that there is no mobilisation because of the upcoming elections, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“They need to reassure society and not show any mobilisation or scare anyone with anything because elections to the State Duma are taking place in Russia. But after the elections, we are confident [it will happen]. I don’t know whether the mobilisation will be covert or open, but we understand the figure — at least 300,000 additional Russian troops. That is what they are counting on,” he added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov