Vladimir Putin announces partial mobilization of Russian citizens

Putin claimed that the West engaged in “nuclear scheming” and noted the “statements by some high-ranking NATO members about the possibility to use nuclear weapons of destruction against Russia”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday a partial mobilization in Russia in response to the war in Ukraine reaching nearly seven months, and Moscow losing ground on the battlefield. He also warned the West that Russia will use every means possible to defend its territory.

Russian leader’s televised address was broadcast to the nation just days after Russian-controlled areas in eastern and south Ukraine announced plans for voting on becoming part of Russia. Moscow could use the Kremlin’s support to take over four regions to increase the conflict after the Ukrainian victories.

Putin claimed that the West engaged in “nuclear scheming” and cited “statements by some high-ranking NATO members about the possibility of using nukes of mass destruction against Russia.”

“To those who make such statements about Russia, I remind you that our country has many means of destruction. For separate components, which are more modern than those of NATO members, when the territorial integrity is threatened, we will use every means possible to protect Russia and our citizens,” said Mr. Putin.

He said, “It’s no bluff.” Putin stated that he had signed a decree regarding partial mobilization. It is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

Putin stated that partial mobilization is what we are referring to. This means that only citizens currently in reserve will be subjected to conscription and, above all, only those who have served in the military forces have a certain degree of military specialty and relevant experience.”

Referendums have been scheduled to begin Friday in Lugansk and Kherson, as well as the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, which are Russian-controlled.

Putin stated that the decision to partially mobilize was “fully sufficient to the threats we face”, namely to defend our homeland, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and to ensure the safety of our people, and those in the liberated territory.

On Wednesday, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Russian plans for referendums in occupied areas in eastern and south Ukraine. He also thanked Ukraine’s allies who condemned the vote that was scheduled to begin Friday.

The Russian-controlled four regions that were announced Tuesday they would start voting in the coming week and become part of Russia. This could open the door for Moscow to intensify the conflict after the Ukrainian victories on the battlefield.

Dmitry Medvedev (the former President of Russia), was the vice head of Russia’s Security Council, which was chaired in part by Vladimir Putin. He stated that referendums that would fold Russia into Russia’s own regions would make redrawn borders “irreversible” allowing Moscow to use “any means” to defend them.

Zelenskyy stated that there were many questions about the announcements, but stressed that it would not alter Ukraine’s commitment of retaking areas occupied Russian forces.

He stated that “the situation at the front line clearly shows that the initiative belongs Ukraine.” “No announcements or noise from anywhere can change our positions. We have the full support from our partners in this.” Moscow is expected to win the upcoming elections in Lugansk and Zaporizhzhia. They were quickly rejected by Western leaders, who support Kyiv with military and other support. This has allowed its forces to gain momentum on the battlefields in the east as well as south.