Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a “partial mobilization” of Russians of fighting age, paving the way for a major escalation in the conflict in Ukraine.
“I consider it necessary to support the (Ministry of Defense) proposal for the partial mobilization of citizens in reserve, those who have already served (…) and who have relevant experience,” Putin said in a speech. recorded television.
“The decree on partial mobilization is signed” and will come into force “today”, added the Russian president.
“We are only talking about partial mobilization,” said the Russian president, while rumors of a general mobilization have been circulating in recent hours.
Faced with “the threat” represented according to him by “the Nazi regime in Kyiv”, supported financially and militarily by the West, “we will certainly use all the means at our disposal to protect Russia and our people”, also warned Vladimir Putin, alluding to nuclear weapons.
“The goal of the West is to weaken, divide and destroy Russia,” said the Russian president in his speech.
According to him, the West wants to “remove sovereign and independent centers of development” in the world to strengthen itself.