Key facts
- Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya stated that mass mobilization is not currently planned.
- Nebenzya did not rule out the possibility of mobilization following Russia's parliamentary elections.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow plans to mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops after the elections.
- Zelensky claimed these plans are supported by internal Russian documents.
- Russia previously denied mobilization plans before announcing a partial draft in September 2022.
Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya stated on August 20 that mass mobilization of Russian soldiers is not currently planned, but he stopped short of ruling out its possibility following the upcoming Russian parliamentary elections. His comments came in response to warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who claimed on August 11 that Moscow plans a full mobilization after the September elections. Zelensky alleged that Russia intends to mobilize several hundred thousand additional troops by the end of the year, citing internal Russian documents and discussions with intelligence chiefs. Russian officials have a history of denying mobilization plans before later announcing call-ups; the Kremlin denied plans throughout 2022 before announcing a "partial" draft of 300,000 reservists on September 21, 2022. In addition to recruiting Russian citizens, Zelensky also stated in July that Moscow is preparing to receive an additional 30,000 North Korean troops to support its war against Ukraine.