Zelensky Warns of Russian 'Shadow Mobilization' as Kremlin Expands Force by 15,500
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sept. 28 that Russia has initiated a new wave of mobilization and is increasing foreign mercenary recruitment to address severe personnel shortages. This follows a decree by Vladimir Putin raising the Russian Armed Forces' size by 15,500 to 2.44 million. Zelensky highlighted the deployment of over 8,000 North Korean troops and a new drone production line in Pyongyang, while Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate 'shadow mobilization' of reservists in the Sverdlovsk region.