A Ukrainian intelligence official said, on Saturday, that Moscow is about to call up 500,000 additional soldiers from the reserve forces this January, after calling up about 300,000 last September, while Moscow has not confirmed the news yet.
The British newspaper “The Guardian” quoted Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of the Ukrainian military intelligence service, as saying that the new recruits in the Russian army will be part of renewed attacks during the spring and summer.
The Ukrainians believe that these attacks will take place in the east and south.
Russia did not immediately comment on these reports.
The Guardian considered that this information shows that Russia has no intention of ending the war, which has been going on since February 24.
But the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, considered last December that there was no point in calling more reserve forces, noting that half of them were deployed in Ukraine, where they are fighting.
Putin has repeatedly stated that there is no need to expand the scope of the partial military mobilization he announced last September.
On September 21, Putin announced partial military mobilization in the country due to the Ukraine war, announcing the call-up of 300,000 reservists.
However, there are Western reports, according to the British “Sky News” network, indicating that Russia continues to call up reserves in a covert manner.
Details of the packing decision last September.
Details of the decision last September 21
Putin ordered the Ministry of Defense and the Chiefs of Staff to implement partial mobilization.
Putin said he signed a presidential decree to implement partial general mobilization.
300,000 reserve forces will be called up, according to the decision.
Those called up will receive military training before they are deployed.
The decision applies to those with previous military experience.
Source: Sky News