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Macron cites 'several signs' Russia preparing to mobilize 300,000 people
Confirmed
In Short: French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Russia is showing 'several signs' of preparing to mobilize 300,000 people following elections, according to an interview with TF1 and France 2 on Sept. 24.
Macron cited reports from European and American intelligence services, as well as Ukrainian officials, indicating Russia's plans for mobilization.
He noted that Russia had waited for elections to take place before launching another wave of mobilization, suggesting that the Kremlin is now ready to proceed.
Macron described the scenario of mobilizing 300,000 men as plausible, reflecting a growing public dissatisfaction with the war and a decline in voluntary enlistments.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the additional troops would supplement Russia's existing recruitment efforts.
Macron emphasized that Russia's current signals indicate a readiness to make greater sacrifices to seize the entire Donbas region.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said this was 'good news for Ukraine and bad news for Russia,' following EU countries' agreement on unblocking new money for Ukraine.
Ukraine's Presidential Office had previously warned in August that Russia could mobilize 600,000 people over 2026 and 2027, amid growing public dissatisfaction with the war.
Russia has only relied on forced mobilization once since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Macron's comments follow a pattern of intelligence reports and warnings from Ukrainian officials about potential Russian mobilization plans.
What this adds
Macron's comments reflect a growing concern among European and Ukrainian officials about Russia's military strategy and public sentiment.
What's confirmed
- French President Emmanuel Macron said Russia was showing "several signs" of preparing for mobilization following elections, in an interview with TF1 and France 2 on Sept. 24.
- "There have indeed been several reports shared by European and American intelligence services, as well as by our Ukrainian friends," Macron said in response to a question about the prospect of a further round of Russian mobilization.
- In a statement summarizing a briefing by intelligence officials on Aug. 27, the office said Russia planned to mobilize 300,000 people in 2026 and another 300,000 in 2027.
- "They took place. And now it's clear that Russia will do it. The question is whether it will announce it or do everything without a public announcement", Macron said.
- "And indeed, the plausible scenario that is frequently being discussed today is around 300,000 men," Macron said.
- "The signal Russia is sending today is that we are prepared to make even greater sacrifices in order to seize the entire Donbas," he said.
- According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the 300,000 additional troops would supplement Russia's existing recruitment efforts.
- Russia has relied on forced mobilization only once since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
What's still developing
- He described reports that Russia was preparing to mobilize another 300,000 soldiers as plausible, citing what he said were several indications that Moscow was organizing for such a move.