Warning from Kiev: Russia may be preparing a massive mobilization for a major new offensive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is warning that Russia could be preparing a large-scale mobilization, a possible signal of a new stage in the war. According to the Kiev leader, the recent restrictions on access to social networks and online platforms in Russia may have a much deeper stake than simple censorship.
US President Volodymyr Zelensky/PHOTO: EPA/EFE
“It's not just about limiting criticism of Vladimir Putin, it's about preventing mass uprisings”Zelensky stated.
Mobilization from big cities
According to him, such a scenario could involve mobilizing the population of large urban centers, including Moscow and St. Petersburg — a sensitive step that could generate strong domestic reactions.
In the opinion of the Ukrainian leader, such a mobilization could have two objectives: the resumption of a large-scale offensive against Ukraine or the opening of a secondary front, including against a NATO country.
“One scenario would be a major new attack on Ukraine. The secondary option could mean a more limited attack where Russia believes it can act with reduced forces.”Zelensky explained.
Three war scenarios
In Kyiv, the ratings go in the same direction. Andrii Kovalenko, the head of the Center for Combating Disinformation, said recently that Moscow is looking at three scenarios: escalation of the conflict through mobilization, freezing of the war or the expansion of tensions to other regions, including the Baltic area.
In the event of a general mobilization, the conflict could continue until 2028, Ukrainian officials warn.
Worrying signals from Belarus
In parallel, attention is also directed to the north. Ukraine's former foreign minister, Dmitro Kuleba, talks about a “sum of factors” that point to a possible increase in risks from Belarus.
According to him, constant military preparations, including exercises and partial mobilization, began in 2026 under the supervision of Russia.
Another signal is the emphasis placed on the ability to mobilize the whole society, not just the reservists, including through recent decisions of the leader from Minsk, Aleksandr Lukashenko.
Military preparations and defense strengthening
Kuleba also draws attention to the intensification of large-scale military exercises, which exceed the usual level of training and indicate the testing of coordination between units and command structures.
In addition, Belarus is strengthening its air defenses, in the context of the risk of drone and missile attacks. Russia would support this process by providing additional systems.
“Looked at separately, these elements do not seem alarming. But put together, they indicate preparations for a possible escalation”, explained the former minister.
An imminent danger or a long-term scenario?
Although the signals are worrying, Ukrainian officials are not talking about an imminent attack. Instead, they point out that current developments outline a scenario of strategic readiness.
“We do not see an immediate attack, but what is happening now clearly shows that there are preparations for a possible military escalation”concluded Kuleba.
In this context, the warnings from Kiev outline an increasingly tense picture of the region, where Moscow's decisions in the coming period could redefine the course of the war.
