Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Russia - Ukrain War.
160,000 New Troops Planned to Counter Russian Advances
Ukraine Announces Mobilization of 160,000 Troops as Russia Advances in Donetsk
Ukraine has launched a new mobilization effort, aiming to recruit an additional 160,000 troops as Russian forces push deeper into the eastern Donetsk region. Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council, informed parliament of the mobilization plans on Tuesday, stating that the recruitment drive will span the next three months.
The increase in Ukrainian forces comes in response to growing pressure from Russia’s expanded resources and manpower. Moscow announced it has gained full control of the mining town of Selydove, as well as surrounding villages, and is now setting its sights on Pokrovsk, a key transport hub just 18 kilometers away. These advancements underscore the urgency of Ukraine’s recruitment drive, as the country seeks to reinforce its eastern defenses.
North Korean Troops Deployed to Russia
Ukraine’s mobilization announcement coincides with reports that North Korean troops have been deployed to aid Russia. The Pentagon estimates that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to eastern Russia for training, with a small number now stationed in Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border. South Korea has suggested that many of these soldiers are wearing Russian uniforms, possibly to disguise their foreign origin.
The deployment of North Korean troops marks a significant development in Russia’s alliance network, as Moscow finds itself increasingly isolated due to the conflict. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to confirm or deny the presence of North Korean troops but defended Moscow’s decision as “sovereign.” Ukrainian officials estimate that roughly 11,000 North Korean troops may be present in various regions across Russia, with approximately 3,000 stationed in the country’s western areas.
Ukraine’s New Conscription Efforts and Challenges
To support its forces on multiple fronts, Ukraine’s parliament previously passed legislation in April that requires all men aged 25 to 60 to register their information in an electronic database for potential conscription. Conscription officers are actively tracking down individuals who have not registered, a measure intended to maximize Ukraine’s manpower as the war drags on.
Yet, the intensified conscription has pushed some men into hiding to avoid mandatory service, reflecting a complex domestic challenge for Ukraine’s government. The pressure to mobilize and maintain troop strength has grown, particularly as Russian advances in the Donetsk region continue.
Rising Stakes on the Eastern Front
As Russian forces consolidate control over Selydove and surrounding villages, Pokrovsk remains a critical objective for Moscow. Its proximity to active Ukrainian military installations and its status as a significant transport hub add to the region's strategic importance.
In light of the challenges posed by Russia’s advances and the arrival of North Korean support for Moscow, Ukraine’s leadership is facing mounting pressure to rapidly bolster its military. As the mobilization drive unfolds, the outcome of these recruitment efforts may shape Ukraine’s resilience and ability to counter continued Russian aggression on the eastern front.
