Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has announced that Russia plans to increase its invasion force by 300,000 soldiers. This comes after Zelenskiy enacted a law reducing the conscription age in Ukraine, part of a strategy to rejuvenate a military strained by two years of intense conflict.
With impressive force, Russian troops are escalating pressure on Ukrainian units across various points of eastern Ukraine. This follows Russia’s capture of the town of Avdiivka in February and its continued westward advance, taking advantage of resource shortages within the Ukrainian military during a pause in US assistance.
Zelenskiy referred to a recent review by Oleksandr Syrskyi, installed as chief commander two months prior, revealing the need for an additional 500,000 troops, based on earlier calculations, was unfounded since numerous active servicemen hadn’t been deployed to the frontline during Russia’s full onslaught.
Zelenskiy clarified that half a million were unnecessary and those absent from the front would soon be there. Although he did not disclose an exact figure, he indicated that Russia is scheduled to mobilise a further 300,000 soldiers at the beginning of June.
Some defence experts are suggesting a potential Russian attack in late spring or early summer, capitalising on Ukraine’s deficient military resources and weary forces ahead of any arrival of renewed western weaponry and manpower.
Legislation to reimagine Ukraine’s military mobilisation structures is laboriously progressing through parliament. Earlier in the week, Zelenskiy ratified a law reducing conscript eligibility from 27 to 25 for Ukrainian men.
Added to this, laws obligating men, who had prior military exemptions for physical issues, for re-evaluation, as well as establishing a digital register of those suitable for military duty, were enacted, potentially boosting Ukraine’s forces significantly.
The defence branch of the Russian government reported that in excess of 100,000 new recruits have signed contracts since the commencement of 2024, and voluntary enlistment has seen significant rise after a devastating attack on a concert hall near Moscow left a minimum of 144 people dead in March.
The motivation to seek vengeance for those killed in the tragic incident was frequently highlighted by most contenders when justifying their agreement, as mentioned by the ministry. The claims made by the ministry have not yet been confirmed, and while Russia persistently tries to connect the assault with Ukraine and its Western allies, offering no proof, the admissions made by the Islamic State group have been largely disregarded.
Following severe power grid attacks by missile and drone surges in recent weeks, Ukraine echoed its demand for additional air defence mechanisms from its allies. NATO’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, urged for an evolution in support strategies, favouring long-term commitments over immediate, short-term offers.
Rumours suggest talks among NATO foreign ministers regarding the potential establishment of a five-year financial aid programme for Ukraine amounting to €100 billion. The focus is on whether NATO, not the U.S., should manage the collection of countries, known as the Ramstein group, which provides arms to Kyiv. Both plans might provide a protective barrier for Ukraine against potential lowering of U.S. aid, especially if Donald Trump resumes power this year.