Speaking in his nightly addresses, Zelenskiy delivered back-to-back warnings that Russia is planning to intensify its military campaign against Ukraine through both a new domestic draft and a deepening alliance with Pyongyang.

A new wave of mobilization

In his 24 July address, Zelenskiy said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained “clear information” that the Kremlin intends to launch another large-scale conscription drive in the coming months. “We have clear intelligence indicating that Russia is preparing a significant new wave of mobilization for the autumn,” he stated.

“Currently, the Russians are losing more soldiers at the front than they are recruiting, but Putin still intends to increase the number of attacks and expand this war. He needs even more Russians to take part in assault operations.”

Zelenskiy pointed to the strain on Russian forces, who have failed to fully capture the eastern Donetsk region despite more than a decade of conflict. Moscow’s last forced call-up, in late September 2022, ordered roughly 300,000 reservists into service, triggering an exodus of hundreds of thousands of Russian men abroad. Since then, the authorities have relied on volunteer recruitment, often luring recruits from poorer regions with large salaries and social benefits. The new mobilization signals another shift toward compulsion.

30,000 North Korean soldiers

A day later, on 25 July, Zelenskiy expanded on the threat by revealing intelligence on North Korea’s role. “We are also observing Russia’s cooperation with North Korea. Russia wants to bring another 30,000 North Korean soldiers,” he said.

“Since June, preparations have been underway in the Voronezh region of Russia to receive them.”

He added that North Korea is also preparing to supply Russia with new ballistic missile launchers. This follows a mutual defence pact under which Pyongyang already dispatched about 14,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region in 2024 to help repel a major Ukrainian incursion. Zelenskiy warned that the deepening military relationship carries dangers far beyond Ukraine.

“This is a threat not only for Ukraine. Russia is helping North Korea learn how to wage war, improve its weaponry, and gain real combat experience in using it. All this represents a threat for every country in Asia that is within range of North Korean missiles.”

A multi-level response

Faced with what he described as an expanding Russian war effort, Zelenskiy called for proactive defence “at all levels.” He urged continued deep strikes on Russian military and industrial targets, a sustained diplomatic push with all nations willing to “come closer to peace,” and stronger frontline fortifications.

“We must defend ourselves proactively at all levels: on the battlefield, through our long-range sanctions, deep strikes, our diplomacy, and, of course, by working with all those who can help protect lives and bring peace closer.”

Zelenskiy had previously warned that Russia had prepared missiles for fresh large-scale attacks and that, according to Ukrainian intelligence, another assault could occur within 48 hours.