Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that the “Ukrainian Victory Plan” is nearly finalized, with over 90% of its strategic components ready. Speaking on the platform X, Zelenskyy outlined that the plan includes military, political, diplomatic, and economic measures aimed at securing a “real and just peace” for Ukraine.
“There is nothing impossible in this plan. Over 90% of it is already laid out,” Zelenskyy said, expressing confidence in the progress. He added that Kyiv’s positions have been carefully defined to give Ukraine the strongest possible footing in its push for peace. The plan is set to be presented to Ukraine’s international allies next week.
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Meanwhile, the UK’s Ministry of Defence reported that Russian casualties have exceeded 610,000 since the start of the war. The high toll is attributed to Moscow’s reliance on “mass infantry waves,” which require constant recruitment of new troops to sustain frontline operations.
Russia to Expand Army to 1.5 Million Troops
In response to growing threats along its borders, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the expansion of the Russian military by 180,000 troops, bringing the total number of active servicemen to 1.5 million. This expansion would make Russia’s military the second largest in the world, behind China, surpassing both the United States and India in size.
The Kremlin explained that the decision is driven by the hostile security environment, particularly along Russia’s western and eastern borders. “This demands appropriate measures to be taken,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence noted that Russia’s recruitment rates have likely declined in 2024 compared to the previous year, prompting an increase in sign-on bonuses in August 2024. Military personnel payments have reportedly accounted for 8% of federal spending in the year leading up to June 2024.
Germany Warns Moldova Could Be Next Target if Ukraine Falls
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned that Moldova could be the next target if Ukraine falls to Russian forces. Speaking at a security conference in Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, Baerbock emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine to stabilize the region.
“Everything we do to support Ukraine also means fostering stabilisation with regards to Moldova,” Baerbock said. Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, echoed the concerns, highlighting the economic damage caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“The uncertainty caused by the war continues to seriously hinder our economic development and will continue to hinder it as long as the war lasts,” Sandu stated. Moldova has faced increasing instability due to the ongoing conflict, raising fears about its future security.
