Czech President Petr Pavel has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could order a new large-scale mobilisation of troops in the coming months as the war in Ukraine continues.
Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, Pavel said any decision to mobilise additional forces is unlikely before Russia’s parliamentary elections scheduled for September 20. He suggested the Kremlin could move to recruit more soldiers after the polls to reinforce its military campaign in Ukraine.
According to Pavel, Ukraine has a limited opportunity to revive peace negotiations before any potential escalation by Russia.
“I believe the window is there for us to keep pushing and giving Russia a clear message that we are willing to start negotiations,” he said.
The Czech leader argued that Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, military installations and other strategic infrastructure are placing increasing pressure on Moscow and could weaken domestic support for the war.
He said the sustained attacks may encourage the Russian government to consider a negotiated settlement rather than prolong the conflict.
Pavel also called on NATO allies to maintain military support for Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
In recent months, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on targets inside Russia, including major oil facilities. Reports indicate that repeated strikes have disrupted operations at several refineries, contributing to a decline in Russia’s oil-processing capacity and causing fuel shortages in some regions.
Ukraine has also claimed responsibility for a drone strike on Moscow’s Kapotnya oil refinery, one of the Russian capital’s key fuel suppliers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operations demonstrate Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capability and described them as a response to continued Russian attacks. He also accused President Putin of rejecting opportunities for direct peace negotiations despite international mediation efforts.
Military analysts have suggested that the repeated drone attacks are placing increasing strain on Russia’s air defence systems and military resources.
Separately, media reports have claimed that U.S. intelligence warned Poland about the possibility of future Russian military provocations near NATO borders, although the reports have not been officially confirmed by the Kremlin.
Satellite imagery has also reportedly indicated increased Russian military activity near the borders of several NATO member states, including Poland, Finland, Norway and Estonia.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. More than four years later, the conflict continues, with both sides carrying out long-range strikes while diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire remain at an impasse.