MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a “partial mobilization” of Russia’s armed forces Wednesday morning, signing a decree that will send military-trained Russians to join the fight in Ukraine short of conscription. complete.
“Only citizens who are currently in the reserves and first of all those who served in the army, who have certain professions and have the necessary experience will be recruited for military service,” they will be recruited for the campaign, Putin said. In a television program. address to the nation.
The announcement came just a day after some Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine announced plans for referendums on integration with Russia. The series of choreographed events recalled the Russian leader’s announcement to send tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine in February.
Invasion of Ukraine – explained
Invasion of Ukraine – explained
Putin’s announcement on Wednesday also came as his country struggled to rebuild its fighting force in Ukraine and suffered battlefield setbacks amid a mounting Ukrainian counteroffensive.
In a separate television interview, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia would immediately call up 300,000 reservists to “hold the front line” in Ukraine.
In his speech, Putin said a larger force was needed as Ukraine continued to receive heavy weapons from a “collective West” bent on “weakening, isolating and destroying Russia.”
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The Russian leader also insisted that Russia has a moral obligation to protect civilians in parts of Ukraine partially occupied by Russia as they hold a series of ‘referendums’ aimed at joining the Russian Federation. Russia later this week.
Putin also accused Western powers of supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons systems capable of penetrating deep into Russian territory, and again accused Ukraine and its allies of threatening Russia with nuclear threats. Putin warned that Russia and its people would use “all available means” for their defense, noting that Russia had its own capable nuclear arsenal. “It’s not a bluff,” Putin said.
“Those who blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the pink winds can change and blow in their direction.”
The Defense Minister also provided new figures on Russian casualties, stating that 5,937 Russian soldiers were killed in combat in Ukraine. Western estimates are much higher.
