Zelensky claims Russia preparing two waves of mobilization after September Duma elections

AKIPRESS.COM – Russian authorities are preparing two new waves of military mobilization, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed, citing a report by Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence.

He said the Kremlin intends to initiate the mobilization following Russia’s parliamentary elections in September.

Zelensky stated that Vladimir Putin’s plan involves demonstrating public support for the war through the state-sanctioned political parties contesting the election, before executing a rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand Russians before the end of the year, followed by an equivalent wave next year. The Ukrainian president added that these plans are supported by intelligence reports and internal Russian documents, though he did not detail the specific nature of those records.

Zelensky noted that Ukrainian leadership is actively taking steps to hinder the execution of these plans, stating that he has give respective tasks to Ukraine’s intelligence and special services.

Elections to the Russian State Duma are scheduled for September 18-20, 2026.