Mobilization of 300,000 Russian Soldiers: Zelensky Warns Amid Escalating Drone Attacks
Clashes between Russia and Ukraine have intensified in recent hours, alongside a warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Moscow may move to recruit an additional 300,000 soldiers after the Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for next September.
In remarks to journalists published on Sunday, Zelensky said that Ukraine believes Russia is planning to mobilize these additional forces to support its war effort. He added that Moscow could recruit several hundred thousand more troops in 2027 in pursuit of its main objective: gaining control of the remainder of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.
328 Drones in Russian Skies
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had intercepted and destroyed 328 Ukrainian drones overnight over several Russian regions, the Crimean Peninsula, and the waters of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
In the Orenburg region, Governor Yevgeny Solntsev said that drone debris had fallen on two industrial facilities, including a warehouse belonging to Ozon, one of Russia’s largest e-commerce companies.
Solntsev added that Russian air defenses had intercepted six drones over the region and reported that no casualties had been recorded.
Ozon said it had evacuated more than 300 people and suspended operations at its logistics center in the region.
The incident came after an Ozon logistics center in Russia’s Samara region was targeted on Saturday in what was the first attack against the company. Wildberries, Ozon’s main competitor, has also been subjected to drone attacks in recent weeks.
Economic Infrastructure Targeted
Ukraine described the attacks on e-commerce facilities as part of a broader campaign targeting economic infrastructure that supports Russia’s war effort.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported that the cities of Kharkiv, Izium, and Mykolaiv had come under intense Russian attacks involving guided bombs and drones. The strikes injured civilians and damaged dozens of residential buildings, facilities, and infrastructure sites.
Two civilians were also killed and others injured by the explosion of explosive devices in the border region of Sumy, according to Ukrainian authorities.
197 Clashes Along the Front Line
On the battlefield, the Ukrainian General Staff reported 197 combat engagements along the front lines over the past 24 hours and also reported Russian losses in personnel and military equipment.
On the Russian side, authorities said that three civilians were injured and property was damaged in drone attacks targeting the Belgorod region.
These developments come a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would respond to attacks on Russia’s economic infrastructure by striking “the most sensitive sectors of Ukraine’s economy,” while reiterating Russia’s openness to peace talks based on “the realities on the ground.”
German Support for Ukraine
Amid the escalation, Germany announced an additional €50 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, along with a further €10 million for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Comprehensive Assistance Package, aimed at supporting the country’s preparations for winter.
Berlin also allocated €3 million to support veterans in Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the assistance during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, in Kyiv.
