Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a partial military mobilization in Russia following major setbacks in his war on Ukraine. The total number of reservists drafted in the partial mobilization is 300,000, officials said.
In a televised speech Putin said- Only citizens who are currently in the reserve and, above all, those who served in the Armed Forces, have certain military specialties and relevant experience, will be subject to conscription, confirming that the decree to mobilization is signed
He added the decision to partially conscript reservists was “fully adequate to the threats we face, namely to protect our homeland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to ensure the security of our people and people in the liberated territories.”
Brandishing his nuclear weaponary, Putin warned the west claiming it has crossed its line. “West is calling to weaken, divide and destroy Russia. West has crossed the line,” he said.
The address by the Russian chief comes a day after separatist-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine announced plans to hold referendums on becoming integral parts of Russia. The referendums would set up a stage for Russia to strengthen its forces to regain territories lost to the Ukraine forces.