Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a “partial mobilization” of the armed forces, calling up 300,000 Russian reservists. This represents a significant escalation of the war in Ukraine since the February 24 invasion.
In his speech, Putin assured that the recalled reservists would receive the same status and pay as the current contract soldiers. In addition, the reservists must receive military training before going to the front.
Reservists with combat experience between 27 and 60
Only reservists between the ages of 27 and 60 with combat experience should be deployed, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. There are a total of 25 million reservists in Russia. The main aim of the partial mobilization is to solve the personnel problems at the front in Ukraine.
“Severe restrictions on freedom of movement”
Persons with special skills, such as doctors and discharged soldiers, could also be drafted into the armed forces. Those who are or could be called up face serious restrictions on their freedom of movement, including the ability to leave the country, Shoigu said.
Putin spoke in Russian in his televised address to the nation on Wednesday. In the following box, you can read some quotes from the speech.
In his speech, Putin also announced the possible annexation of Ukrainian territories through referendums in the occupied territories. “We support the decision of the majority of citizens in the People’s Republics of Luhansk and Donetsk, in Kherson and Zaporizhia Oblast,” Putin said.
Kiev: War for Russia is not going according to plan
According to Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak, the “partial mobilization” that has now been announced shows that the war for Russia is not going according to plan. The move was to be expected. The Russian president’s other statements are rhetorical, Podoliak said. The aim is to hold the West responsible for the war and the deteriorating economic situation in Russia.
Is the Kremlin preparing martial law?
On Tuesday, the State Duma passed a law that would allow foreigners in military service to become Russian citizens more quickly. In addition, prison terms for voluntary captivity and looting were significantly increased. There are rumors that Moscow could soon prepare for martial law with the amendment of the law.
Mobilization in Belarus
Meanwhile, the ruler of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who is allied to Putin, has ordered the mobilization of all security bodies and further tightening of the laws. “If we have to put a military unit under the laws of war, then we should,” Lukashenko said on Tuesday during a meeting with Secretary of the National Security Council, Alexander Wolfovich.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
