President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine must establish a mobilisation system in anticipation of a possible increase in conscription into the Russian army following the September elections in the Russian Federation. He made these remarks during a meeting with MPs from the «Servant of the People» parliamentary group, according to «Ukrainska Pravda». The meeting also addressed the differences between the Ministry of Defence and the military command.
Briefly about the main points
- Zelenskyy described mobilisation as one of Ukraine’s priorities.
- The President believes that mobilisation in Russia may be stepped up after the elections.
- The date of 23 September was mentioned as an internal scenario reported to UP.
- The meeting focused on the conflict between the Ministry of Defence and the military leadership.
- The Ministry of Defence had previously announced the automation of some procedures within Reserve+.
A scenario following the elections in Russia
During the faction meeting, Zelenskyy outlined a scenario in which Vladimir Putin may announce general mobilisation 23 September. A source speaking to the publication “Ukrainska Pravda” quoted the president as saying: «If Putin announces a general mobilisation on 23 September, nobody will be in the mood for jokes or digital reforms. We need to sort out the mobilisation before then.».
Speaking publicly on 15 July, Zelenskyy was more cautious: following the elections in Russia, the Kremlin may step up mobilisation. He explained that significantly increasing contract recruitment is becoming increasingly costly for Moscow, so it may potentially resort to other means of replenishing its forces.
Elections to the State Duma in Russia are scheduled for 18–20 September, and 23 September will be the third day after voting has ended. The specific date mentioned in the UP report is a scenario discussed in an internal conversation, not an announcement of a decision taken by the Kremlin.
Mobilisation has become part of the debate on personnel matters
According to UP, during a conversation with MPs, the president attributed the personnel decisions to problems within the defence ministry. The publication’s sources claim that Zelenskyy pointed to the fact that mobilisation reforms had not been implemented to the required extent during Mykhailo Fedorov’s tenure as defence minister.
Another issue was the long-running conflict between the Ministry of Defence and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. According to sources speaking to UP, the president considers it unacceptable for the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff to be effectively at odds with one another during a war.
In June Fedorov He stated that a partial demobilisation of military personnel with extensive combat experience is planned for the end of 2026. He cautioned that the pace of this process would depend on the situation at the front and any possible further mobilisation in Russia.
What changes have already been made to the procurement system?
Zelenskyy’s assessment, as reported by sources to UP, does not mean that there have been no changes to the system. In February, the Ministry of Defence reported that 90% deferrals in Reserve+. are being extended automatically, with this being described as part of a wider mobilisation reform.
In June, the agency stated that 95% mobilisation procedures were proceeding without complications, whilst acknowledging problems at certain military recruitment centres and instances of the use of force. Consequently, the discussion referred to by the President concerns not only digital services, but also the coordination of efforts between state and military bodies regarding the recruitment of troops.
Pressure on the system may increase
In March, the Kremlin stated that military mobilisation was not on the agenda. At the same time, Zelenskyy called for preparations to be made for various scenarios following the September elections in Russia.
If Russia does indeed step up its recruitment, this could heighten Ukraine’s need for the rapid and coordinated replenishment of its units. That is precisely why the President has linked the mobilisation reform to the need to streamline cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the military leadership.
