--- title: "Moscow's Autumn Plan: Kovalenko Reveals Details of a Massive Mobilization of 500,000 People" description: "Russia is preparing a mobilization of over 500,000 people for autumn. Some will be sent to the front immediately, others after training for new attacks. Andriy Kovalenko warned: Ukrainians face a tough infantry war with drones and KABs. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ›‘οΈ" date: 2026-07-18T10:16:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/moscow-autumn-plan-kovalenko-reveals-mobilization-details-500k tags: [andrey-kovalenko, russia-mobilization, ukraine-war, sno, vladimir-zevensky] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Moscow's Autumn Plan: Kovalenko Reveals Details of a Massive Mobilization of 500,000 People ![A group of Russian military personnel in camouflage uniforms and caps with emblems stands in formation near buses, preparing for deployment as part of the massive mobilization of 500,000 people announced by Kovalenko.](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/18/kovalenko-rasskryl-masshtabnyy-plan-mobilizacii-rossii-na-osen/kovalenko-rasskryl-masshtabnyy-plan-mobilizacii-rossii-na-osen-1.webp) Autumn 2024 promises to be critically important for Ukraine's defense. Intelligence and experts warn that Russia is preparing a massive mobilization covering more than half a million people. These data were confirmed by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. ### Strategy of "plugging holes" and new fronts According to received data, the Russian authorities' plan implies a strict differentiation of conscripts. A significant portion of draftees β€” up to several tens of thousands β€” will be sent to the front line almost immediately, within the first two weeks after the start of the campaign. The main task of this wave is the emergency closure of breaches in the eastern direction, where the situation remains tense. However, Moscow's strategy is not limited to merely reinforcing current positions. A second, larger group of mobilized personnel will undergo training for a month. The goal of this stage is to form reserves for the potential opening of new directions of attack. Kovalenko emphasized that for Ukraine, this means an extremely intense and difficult autumn-winter period. ### Nature of future battles Experts warn that Ukrainian defenders will have to stand firm in difficult infantry battles. Modern warfare has evolved, and on the battlefield, not only people but also complex technical complexes will clash. Drones, heavy artillery systems (KABs), and other tools of destruction will meet in the fight, requiring high training and psychological resilience from the personnel. ### Political context and covert preparation The decision on new mobilization is closely linked to internal political processes in Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously noted that after the Duma elections, Moscow could intensify recruitment. This would allow the Kremlin to reduce financial costs on hiring contractors, replacing them with free mobilization forces. The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine also confirms that Russia is covertly preparing for general mobilization to continue the war. At the same time, the Russian leadership avoids public statements on this topic, fearing a rise in public discontent. ### Pressure on regions and business Despite official silence, mechanisms for mobilization preparation have already been launched locally. There is information that regional authorities in Russia are beginning to exert pressure on entrepreneurs. Businesses are offered to provide employees for the front. If a company is not ready to give up people, they may be offered a financial alternative β€” to pay so-called "compensation" to avoid losing staff.