Putin Announces Partial Mobilization as Russian Losses Mount in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a rare pre-recorded televised announcement that a decree on the partial mobilization of the Russian military has been signed.

This move confirms the speculation of Western countries that a mobilization may be announced, viewing it as an escalation of the nearly seven-month invasion.

According to Putin, those who will be sent to the battle, for now, will be in the military reserve and those who have former military experience.

“We are talking about partial mobilization, that is, only citizens who are currently in the reserve will be subject to conscription, and above all, those who served in the armed forces have a certain military specialty and relevant experience,” Putin said.

Moreover, Putin added that the decision for the mobilization was to protect the people in what he called “liberated” lands.

This latest escalation in the Russian invasion of Ukraine comes following the announcement of Russian-occupied regions in eastern and southern Ukraine to hold referendums on whether or not the regions want to be a part of Russia.

This is illegal under Ukrainian and international law, with the West calling it a sham.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the sham votes will not hold any legitimacy and will not change the nature of the conflict, adding that the referendums will only escalate further the situation.

“This will only further worsen the situation, and therefore we need to provide more support to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said while speaking on the sidelines during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Moreover, other Western nations decried the referendums, with United States (US) National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan saying the US will never recognize the Kremlin’s claims.

“We know that these referenda will be manipulated. We know that Russia will use the sham referenda as a basis to purportedly annex these territories either now or in the future. Let me be clear: If this does transpire, and obviously it’s not a done deal yet, but if this does transpire, the United States will never recognize Russia’s claims,” Sullivan said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also said that the referendums will not be accepted as he spoke with reporters during the UNGA.

Josep Borrell said in a statement that further measures against Russia will be considered following the announcement of the referendums.

“Russia, its political leadership, and all those involved in these ‘referenda’ and other violations of international law in Ukraine will be held accountable, and additional restrictive measures against Russia would be considered,” Borrell said.

Meanwhile, Russia is seemingly increasing the narrative of a nuclear war, as leading state propagandist and editor-in-chief of state propaganda channel RT Margarita Simonyan tweeted that this week may mark the beginning of Russia’s victory or the beginning of a nuclear war.

“Judging by what is happening and what is about to happen, this week marks either the eve of our imminent victory or the eve of nuclear war,” Simonyan said, adding “I can’t see any third option.” (GFB)