According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Russia is planning to draft an additional 300,000 troops for its war effort following Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18 to 20. The mobilization drive aims to eventually reach 500,000 troops through a peripheral mobilisation targeting Russia’s far-flung regions.
Troop Mobilization and Donbas Frontlines
Speaking to reporters, Zelenskiy stated that the recruitment drive would likely avoid central cities to mitigate domestic fallout. “We believe it will not take place in the central cities,” he said, adding, “But I don’t think they will be able to hide it very well.” The parliamentary elections are set to run from September 18 to 20, with subsequent drafts potentially rolling out into 2027.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue pressing to capture the remainder of eastern Ukraine’s industrialized Donbas region. According to Kyiv, Moscow’s troops are advancing at a great cost, losing a “maximum” amount of personnel around the strategic city of Kostiantynivka. Conversely, Zelenskiy highlighted recent territorial gains by Ukrainian forces in the southeastern sector, adding that the amount of land occupied by Russia and that liberated by Ukraine in 2026 would be roughly equal.
Missile Production and Air Defense Deficits
The ground war coincides with an escalating air campaign. Zelenskiy reported that Russia aims to build a capacity to manufacture up to 1,300 ballistic missiles annually. This ramp-up collides with a critical shortage of U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors in Ukraine.
Data provided by Zelenskiy shows a sharp decline in incoming air defense supplies. Ukraine expects to receive 264 interceptors in 2026, down from 364 in 2025 and 675 in 2023. To counter incoming strikes, Kyiv has leaned into long-range drone attacks against Russian economic infrastructure, targeting oil refineries and online retailers’ warehouses.
In response to these drone operations, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that Kyiv had opened a “Pandora’s box” and warned that Moscow would retaliate against Ukraine’s most sensitive economic sectors.
Did you know? Ukraine’s air force has requested 360 missile interceptors specifically to weather the upcoming winter attacks on the nation’s energy grid, supplementing agreements with France for SAMP/T systems and Germany for PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors through 2028.
Defense Funding Gap and Winter Preparations
Beyond hardware deficits, Ukraine’s military operations face severe financial hurdles. Zelenskiy disclosed a $27 billion defense funding gap for the year, driven by higher-than-expected expenditures during the first half of the year. Maintaining the war effort requires at least $8 billion for a normal start to 2027, alongside roughly $20 billion designated for military salaries, payments to families of the dead, as well as other financing.
Energy infrastructure remains another vulnerable focal point. As winter approaches, Kyiv anticipates a grueling series of Russian strikes targeting power grids, compounding the strain on already stretched air defense networks and financial reserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new troops does Ukraine expect Russia to draft?
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Russia plans to draft an additional 300,000 troops after the September 18 to 20 parliamentary elections, with an ultimate goal of reaching 500,000 personnel through peripheral mobilisation.
What is causing Ukraine’s air defense shortages?
Ukraine is facing a drop in deliveries of U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors. Kyiv expects 264 interceptors in 2026, compared to 364 in 2025 and 675 in 2023.
How large is Ukraine’s current defense funding gap?
Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine faces a $27 billion defense funding gap this year due to higher-than-expected spending in the first half of the year.
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