Putin announces a partial military mobilization FOR Russian citizens
Putin announces a partial military mobilization FOR Russian citizens
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a “partial mobilization” of Russia’s armed forces on Wednesday morning — signing a decree that will send Russians who have gone through military training to join the fight in Ukraine while stopping short of an all-out draft.
“Only those citizens will be drafted to military service who are currently in the reserve and first of all those who have served in the army, who have certain professions and have the necessary experience,” will be recruited for the campaign, said Putin in a televised address to the nation.
The declaration came only a day after a few Russian-controlled regions in Ukraine reported plans for mandates on turning out to be essential for Russia. The choreographed series of events was reminiscent of the Russian leader’s announcement to send tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February.
Putin’s Wednesday announcement also came as his country has struggled to replenish its fighting force in Ukraine and suffered setbacks on the battlefield amid a surging Ukrainian counteroffensive.
In a separate television interview, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia would immediately call up 300,000 reservists to “hold the line at the front” in Ukraine.
In his location, Putin said the bigger power was essential as Ukraine kept on getting weighty weaponry from a “aggregate West” expectation of “debilitating, separating, and obliterating Russia.”
The Russian leader also insisted Russia had a moral obligation to protect civilians in partially Russian-occupied portions of Ukraine as they held a series of “referendums” aimed at joining the Russian Federation later this week.
Putin also accused Western powers of providing Ukraine with long-range weapon systems that can strike deep into Russian territory — and again accused Ukraine and its allies of menacing Russia with nuclear threats. Putin warned Russia and its people would use “all available means” in their defense — noting Russia had its own capable nuclear arsenal. “This is no bluff,” Putin said.
“The people who are coercing us with atomic weapons ought to be aware – the rose breezes can shift and blow in their course.”
The defense minister also provided new figures on Russian casualties — saying 5,937 Russian soldiers had died fighting in Ukraine. Western estimates run much higher.