Moscow: President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a partial mobilisation in Russia. The total number of reservists to be called up is 3,00,000, officials said.
In a television address to the nation, the Russian President warned that” If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will use all available means to protect our people – this is not a bluff and added that the country had “lots of weapons to reply”.
Putin’s remarks also come against the backdrop of the UN General Assembly in New York at which Moscow was warned about its referendum plans.
Russia’s defence minister said the partial mobilisation will see 300,000 reserves called and up would apply to those with previous military experience.
Putin’s partial mobilisation significantly escalates the conflict over Ukraine and comes as Russia battles a Ukrainian counter-offensive that has forced its troops to retreat and surrender some occupied territory.
Putin said the partial military mobilisation of its 2 million-strong military reserves was to defend Russia and its territories.
Meanwhile, Ukraine reacted to the news, terming it ‘predictable’ and said it shows that the war effort is failing.
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