Volodymyr Zelensky predicts Russia will mobilize 300,000 troops to capture the Donetsk region by year-end
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is expected to mobilize another 300,000 troops later this year to complete the capture of the Donetsk region. Zelensky asserted that while Russia aims to achieve full occupation by the end of the year, he believes it is currently impossible for Moscow to fully secure the region. He noted that Russia has already lost 267,000 personnel since the start of the year, including approximately 155,000 killed. Zelensky highlighted a downward trend in Patriot missile supplies from the United States, noting that the U.S. provided 675 missiles in 2023 but only 264 are forecast for this year. He suggested that if Ukraine were to pay for 10% of the U.S. Patriot missile stocks, it would significantly impact the defense of the country. Additionally, a licensing agreement for Aster missiles from Europe and the other use of Starlink satellite imagery would benefit Kyiv. Zelensky indicated that the negotiations for ending the war remain open, and he is working with U.S. envoys to summarize realistic options for a peace agreement.