Russia has started a new mobilization – Zelenskyy

As a result of Russia’s drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital on September 28, the Academy of Sciences in central Kyiv was damaged, and at least two people were killed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a total of nine people were killed and more than 80 were injured across the country as a result of Russia’s drone attacks.

In recent weeks, Russia has begun attacking Kyiv and other cities with jet-powered drones that fly faster and at higher altitudes.

In his evening video address, Zelenskyy said that countering these drones continues to pose difficulties. According to him, of the 120 drones launched at Ukraine, 90 were equipped not with propellers but with jet engines, and 57% of them were shot down.

Officials said that various targets in Kyiv, including a pharmaceutical company, fuel stations and a medical facility, were also attacked. In other cities and regions, civilian facilities, enterprises and communications infrastructure were targeted.

For its part, Ukraine is also carrying out strikes on oil refineries and online trading companies in an effort to reduce Russia’s ability to finance the war and its revenues.

“Russia has started a new mobilization”

Zelenskyy also cited a report by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, saying that there is information indicating that Russia has begun a new mobilization for its army.

“They are increasing the number of people being recruited into the army through various means. The government of any country from which people are being recruited into the Russian army must counter this. We will inform all relevant governments,” the Ukrainian president said.

According to Zelenskyy, 8,000 North Korean soldiers brought to Russia in 2024 are still in the country, while another 10,000 are undergoing training.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, called any claims that Moscow was announcing a new mobilization “complete nonsense.”

Central Asians in the Russian army

As part of the “Ukraine–Central Asia” investigation, the “I Want to Live” project identified nearly 13,000 Central Asian citizens who signed contracts with Russia’s Ministry of Defense and served or are currently serving in the Russian army.

The largest share comes from Uzbekistan, with 4,853 citizens recorded.