Kyrylo Budanov Says Ukraine Must Mobilize 30,000 People Monthly to Continue War

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, stated on August 28 that Ukraine must mobilize at least 30,000 people every month to continue the war. Speaking on Ukrainian television and at an international forum, Budanov warned that ending the conflict in the short term is unrealistic and that replacing soldiers with technology is a fairy tale. He noted that the quantitative requirements for recruits will not change, which means the number of dissatisfied people will likely remain the same.

These comments come amid increasing pressure from the military and society regarding Ukraine's mobilization process. Forced mobilization has been in place since February 2022, and reports indicate that attacks on draft officers increased in frequency over 2026. Roman Kostenko, secretary of the parliamentary defense committee, mentioned on August 22 that Ukraine is preparing radical changes to the mobilization system, including potential revisions to the draft age, after financial incentives failed to increase recruitment.

Budanov, a former general and head of military intelligence, has recently faced scrutiny following the release of audio tapes related to a case involving his deputy, Iryna Mudra. In response, Budanov stated that the court should sort the matter out.

Other developments include Ukrainian drone strikes on the Yaroslavl oil refinery and a Tu-95 bomber at Engels air base. Additionally, Agricultural Minister Taras Vysotskyi reported that Russian strikes have destroyed 90 percent of Ukraine's modern storage facilities. Regarding Russia, one source reports that Moscow plans further mobilization waves between 2026 and 2027, while another notes signs that a new wave could follow autumn State Duma elections.