Putin told troops can seize four Ukrainian regions with enough manpower — report

That is according to a report by the Russian outlet Verstka, citing a source close to one of Europe’s intelligence agencies.

Asked about a possible new wave of mobilization in Russia, the source described it as one of several “hypothetical tough measures” under consideration.

Putin, the source told Verstka, “does not want to end the war and is ready to fight for another two to three years.”

“There are concerns about instability — if hostilities end now, in this state, without serious successes,” the source said.

That is why “tough measures, mobilization and a wartime economy” are being considered, the source said.

“Russian commanders are allegedly guaranteeing him [Putin] full control over four Ukrainian regions, provided there is enough manpower,” Verstka quoted the source as saying.

Another source cited by the outlet, identified as a person overseeing contract recruitment at one Russian state corporation, gave details of a possible mobilization. He claimed preparations “for what will never be called mobilization” have been underway for “several months.” He said officials are trying to account for the “mistakes [of the mobilization] of 2022.”

He also said that, “starting in October,” Russia’s occupation forces would be ready to train tens of thousands of people at military ranges. Those groups, he said, would then be “sent to active units.”

Asked whether a final decision had been made on a new recruitment drive, he could not answer, saying only that “our task is to prepare.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists on April 10 that Russia’s blocking of the Telegram messenger app could be linked to Kremlin preparations for unpopular decisions. Those could include either ending the war or, by contrast, escalating it and expanding mobilization.

On April 19, Zelenskyy said Russia needed large-scale mobilization to try to repeat its offensive against Ukraine or launch a parallel offensive with fewer combat forces.

On May 27, after a meeting with military officials, Zelenskyy said Russia was preparing to further expand mobilization, adding that the stepped-up issuance of mobilization orders was tied to those plans.

The Wall Street Journal reported on June 3 that members of Russia’s establishment had begun publicly calling for an end to the war against Ukraine because Moscow had been unable to break the stalemate. Putin, however, has so far shown no shift in his position.