In a rare address to the nation, the Russian President Wladimir Putin announced on Wednesday a partial military mobilization in the country as Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine continues.
What happened: Putin said the decision was made “to defend the motherland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” as he accused the West of engaging in “nuclear blackmail.” according to to the Associated Press. The decree, due to come into force on Wednesday, puts Russia and its economy in a war situation as the war in Ukraine has dragged on for almost seven months.
“We are talking about partial mobilization, that is, only citizens who are currently in reserve are drafted, and most importantly, those who served in the armed forces have a certain military specialty and relevant experience,” Putin reportedly said.
Putin, who warned the West that “it’s not a bluff,” said his country will use any means at its disposal to protect its territory. The leader also announced that he had ordered an increase in funds to boost Russia’s arms production.
“I would like to remind those who allow themselves such statements about Russia that our country also has various means of destruction, and for separate components and more modern than those of NATO countries, and if the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, Um To protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal,” he said.
Putin’s comments came a day after Russian-controlled regions in Ukraine announced plans to hold referendums to become an integral part of Putin’s country. Referendums begin Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson and partially Russian-controlled Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions.
See also: India’s Modi slams Vladimir Putin over Russia-Ukraine war: ‘Today’s era is not an era of war’
