Russia is preparing to increase the size of its army by another 200-300 thousand people. This was stated by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov in an interview with Reuters.

He clarified that the current number of Russian troops in Ukraine and on the borders is 500,000. At the same time, the Russian Federation plans to call up to 300,000 more people to add to this half million.

Umerov said that the new front in the northeastern part of Kharkiv region has been stabilized, but “Moscow is preparing for a new breakthrough.”

“Their goal is to open a new front in the north to start using all their strength and firepower against us. They continue to achieve their goal of destroying the nation. We are withstanding, but of course we need more weapons, we need more firepower, we need long-range missiles to prevent them from reaching our country,” he said.

He noted that only half of the promised Western aid has arrived on time. 

“Time is of the essence, and we need to ensure timely delivery to repel attacks,” Umerov said.

In addition, he stressed that it is important for Ukraine to mobilize new people “for the rotation of military personnel.”

He noted that 1.2 million citizens have already updated their personal data online.