Putin may intensify war against Ukraine — Jerusalem Post
Russian President Vladimir Putin, the leader of the aggressor state, may intensify the war against Ukraine after the State Duma elections, Jerusalem Post reports, citing The Telegraph and Western intelligence sources. According to them, the possible escalation may include stepped-up conscription, accelerated mobilization, and more intensive strikes against Ukraine and its allies in Europe.
The Telegraph's sources claim that the Kremlin is choosing escalation instead of U.S.-mediated peace talks. They link this to heavy Russian military losses and a situation they describe as an effective stalemate. In their assessment, the number of Russian military personnel killed may reach 500,000.
Concerns over attacks in Europe
European defense officials fear a possible Russian invasion of NATO territory. According to sources familiar with the situation, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited the Kremlin last month to warn Russia against attacking any member state of the Alliance.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
European leaders have also warned in recent weeks of an intensification of Russian hybrid operations, including cyberattacks, sabotage, information warfare, and economic coercion. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said after a drone attack on Leipzig Airport that the incident fits a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron, according to The Telegraph, instructed officials to prepare plans to protect critical infrastructure and the defense industry from sabotage.
Preparations for mobilization
Ukrainian intelligence, cited by The Kyiv Independent, believes that Moscow has long been ready to conscript tens of thousands of people and has resorted to forced mobilization campaigns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that, according to Ukrainian intelligence's assessment, Russia plans to recruit an additional 300,000 military personnel. Some Western intelligence officers, according to the publication, question this figure because new units need to be supplied with equipment.
One intelligence source told The Telegraph about administrative preparations for possible mobilization and covert measures to increase contract recruitment. According to the source, people awaiting trial, in debt, or falling behind in their studies may be forced to sign contracts. In 2022, Russia announced the so-called partial mobilization, under which it conscripted at least 300,000 military personnel.
