Russia prepares to mobilize 300,000 troops after elections

In August 2026, Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya claimed that mass mobilization of troops is not planned before the upcoming parliamentary elections. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia may mobilize around 300,000 men after the elections, citing internal documents. This potential mobilization follows struggles in Russia's voluntary recruitment system and aims to avoid backlash by focusing efforts away from major cities.