It's the first mobilization in Russia since World War II.
The address comes as Russian-controlled regions of eastern and southern Ukraine have announced plans to hold Kremllin-backed referendums in days ahead on becoming part of Russia.Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilization of reservists in Russia on Wednesday, risking a deeply unpopular step that follows a string of humiliating setbacks for his troops nearly seven months after invading Ukraine.
Only those with relevant combat and service experience will be mobilized, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. He added that there are around 25 million people who fit this criteria, but only around 1% of them will be mobilized. A Ukraine counteroffensive launched this month has snatched the military initiative away from Russia, as well as capturing large areas the Russians once held. The swiftness of the counteroffensive saw Russian forces abandon armored vehicles and other weapons as they beat hasty retreats.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace echoed that assessment, describing Putin's move as "an admission that his invasion is failing." The head of the Duma defense committee, Andrei Kartapolov, said there would be no additional restrictions on reservists leaving Russia based on this mobilization, according to Russian media reports. Kartapolov said he wanted to "calm" people about the mobilization.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia-Ukraine war live updates: Putin calls up Russia’s reservists amid war setbacks, backs annexation plansRussian President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial military mobilization and referenced Russia’s nuclear arsenal. Kremlin-backed referendums aim to annex occupied areas.
Read more »
Putin Makes Nuke Threat Amid Mass Military MobilizationIt’s the first mobilization ordered in Russia since World War II.
Read more »
Russian President Vladimir Putin sets partial military call-up, won't 'bluff' on nukesIt's the first mobilization in Russia since World War II.
Read more »
Russian President Vladimir Putin sets partial military call-up, won't 'bluff' on nukesPresident Vladimir Putin ordered a partial Russian mobilization of reservists Wednesday after a string of setbacks in Ukraine.
Read more »
Russian President Vladimir Putin sets partial military call-up, won't 'bluff' on nukesIt's the first mobilization in Russia since World War II.
Read more »
Flight prices out of Russia surge as Putin calls up reservists for Ukraine warThe cost of flights departing from Moscow skyrocketed after Vladimir Putin announced a “partial military mobilization” in a televised address.
Read more »