Ukraine Plans Massive Draft as Russia Advances in Donetsk

Facing increasing pressure from Russia’s advances in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian officials have announced plans to draft an additional 160,000 troops over the next three months.

This comes as Russian forces claimed to have fully captured the mining town of Selydove in the Donetsk region, marking a significant gain in their push toward the strategically vital transport hub of Pokrovsk, located just 18 kilometers away.

The Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, confirmed the impending draft, aiming to bolster Ukrainian forces as they contend with the strain of Russia’s extensive manpower and resources. “There are plans to call up more than 160,000 people,” Lytvynenko stated in his address to parliament on Tuesday, with the recruitment campaign set to reinforce Ukraine’s front lines against increasing Russian momentum in the east.

In a concerning development, the U.S. Pentagon reported that a “small number” of North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, with additional troops on their way to the Kursk region. These reports align with recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who did not deny that North Korean soldiers had entered Russia, following indications that Pyongyang might send thousands more personnel to aid its long-standing ally.

The Pentagon estimates that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have already arrived in eastern Russia, marking a significant escalation in Russia’s foreign alliances amid ongoing global scrutiny of its military strategies.

Ukraine’s announcement to mobilise more troops follows legislation passed in April, which mandates all Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60 to register their details on a national database for potential conscription. The law, aimed at replenishing Ukraine’s fighting force, has sparked concerns as conscription officers actively search for men evading the register, pushing many into hiding.

Since Russia’s invasion began in 2022, Ukrainian forces have faced mounting challenges in both manpower and resources. The latest draft reflects Ukraine’s commitment to countering Russia’s gains, as Moscow intensifies its push toward key transport nodes in Donetsk, capturing surrounding villages in the process.

As the conflict grinds on, the coming months will be critical for both sides. Ukraine’s efforts to increase troop numbers reflect a high-stakes battle to prevent further Russian advances in the east, while Russia continues to leverage its alliances and extensive resources to maintain its momentum.

Chioma Kalu

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