Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for the possibility of a significant escalation in the war in Ukraine following parliamentary elections being held this weekend, Britain’s Telegraph reported.

According to the report, Western intelligence officials have detected administrative preparations that could enable Russia to mobilize thousands of additional troops if such a decision is made. Other intelligence officials say that Moscow is already increasing “quiet mobilization” by expanding contract recruitment.

Reuters also reported that Western officials are concerned Putin could use the election results to justify continuing or expanding the war. However, there is currently no confirmation that a new mobilization has been ordered, and Putin recently denied that such a move was planned.

The three-day elections are scheduled to conclude on September 20. Putin’s United Russia party is expected to retain control of parliament. Most candidates opposed to the war are absent from the ballot.

Western officials fear that any escalation would not be limited to the battlefield in Ukraine but could also include increased Russian activity against European countries that support Kyiv through cyberattacks, drones, sabotage and other measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned last month that, according to Ukrainian intelligence sources, Moscow plans to mobilize 300,000 people after the election and another 300,000 in 2027.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)