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Macron cites 'several signs' Russia preparing to mobilize 300,000 people
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that Russia is showing multiple signs of preparing for a new wave of military mobilization following recent elections, citing intelligence shared by European, American, and Ukrainian sources.
- Ukraine's Presidential Office previously warned that Russia might call up 600,000 troops over 2026 and 2027, with plans to mobilize 300,000 each year amid declining voluntary enlistment and public dissatisfaction with the war.
- Macron suggested that the Kremlin delayed mobilization until after elections and that Russia may either announce the new call-up publicly or proceed without formal declaration.
- The French president described the possibility of mobilizing an additional 300,000 soldiers as plausible and noted Russia's intent to intensify efforts to control the entire Donbas region.
- Since the initial forced mobilization in fall 2022, which led to mass emigration and public unrest, Russia has avoided large-scale drafts, instead relying on enlistment bonuses and regional recruitment targets to bolster its forces.
