Zelenskyy: Russia has launched additional mobilisation, plans more foreign recruits
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has effectively begun a new wave of additional mobilisation and intends to step up recruitment of foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine. He called for tougher sanctions against Moscow.
In his evening address on 28 September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has, in effect, already started an additional mobilisation drive, boosting recruitment numbers through various methods. He added that Moscow also plans to expand recruitment of foreign nationals, making it important for the governments of countries Russia recruits from to counter the practice. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would inform every relevant government about the issue.
North Korean troop numbers
Zelenskyy said he had received a report from Ukraine's Defence Intelligence containing new information on Russia's cooperation with North Korea. According to the report, more than 8,000 North Korean military personnel are currently stationed on Russian territory, while an additional 10,000 troops are being prepared for deployment, currently undergoing selection and training before transfer to Russia.
The report also indicates that Russia is compensating North Korea with technological support, including help establishing production of Shahed-type strike drones on North Korean soil.
Calls for sanctions
Zelenskyy called for effective sanctions against Russia, pointing to the so-called Lindsey Graham Act along with EU and other international sanctions as tools that could increase pressure on Moscow.
The development follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's earlier decree raising the official strength of Russia's armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel.
