Russian President Vladimir Putin may order another large-scale troop mobilisation in the coming months as Ukraine intensifies attacks on Russia's military positions and energy facilities, according to Czech President Petr Pavel.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Pavel said he does not expect such a move before Russia's parliamentary elections on September 20. However, he believes the Kremlin could begin recruiting more soldiers after the elections to strengthen its military campaign in Ukraine.

Pavel also said Ukraine has only a limited opportunity to revive peace negotiations before Russia potentially escalates the war. He stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow while signalling a willingness to negotiate.

"I believe the opportunity is still there for us to keep pushing and send Russia a clear message that we are ready to begin negotiations," Pavel said.

The Czech president argued that Russia is facing growing domestic challenges as Ukrainian long-range drone strikes continue to hit oil refineries, military bases and other strategic targets deep inside Russian territory. He suggested that these attacks, combined with weakening public support for the war, could increase pressure on the Kremlin to consider a negotiated settlement.

Pavel urged NATO allies to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine while also supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. According to him, sustained military and political pressure could persuade Moscow that a negotiated peace is preferable to extending the war.

In recent months, Ukraine has expanded its long-range drone campaign, targeting several key Russian oil facilities. Reports indicate that repeated strikes caused a noticeable decline in Russia's daily oil processing in June after several major refineries were damaged.

The attacks have also reportedly disrupted fuel supplies in parts of Russia, resulting in shortages, restrictions and long queues at petrol stations. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a drone strike on Moscow's Kapotnya oil refinery, one of the city's primary fuel suppliers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operations demonstrate Ukraine's improving long-range strike capabilities and described them as retaliation for continued Russian attacks. He also accused Putin of rejecting opportunities for direct peace talks despite international mediation efforts.

Military analysts believe the repeated drone strikes are placing additional strain on Russia's air defence systems and military resources. Meanwhile, reports have claimed that U.S. intelligence warned Poland about the possibility of future Russian military provocations near NATO territory, although the Kremlin has not officially commented on those claims.

Satellite images have also reportedly revealed increased Russian military activity near the borders of several NATO members, including Poland, Finland, Norway and Estonia.

The war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, continues with both sides launching attacks far beyond the front lines, while efforts to achieve a diplomatic resolution remain at a standstill.This version preserves the original meaning while improving flow, readability, and originality.