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Russian President Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilization in Russia. This requires citizens to participate in the war effort in Ukraine. He also warned Western countries not to attack Russian territory, which would be met with swift retaliation.
Putin’s speech on Wednesday came amid a successful counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces, almost seven months into Russia’s aggression.
Conscription “is well suited to the threats we face, namely to protect our homeland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to ensure the security of our people and those of the liberated territories.” he said.
“We are talking about partial mobilization, that is, only citizens currently in the reserve are subject to conscription, and above all those who have served in the armed forces have specific military expertise and relevant experience,” Putin said. have.
Russian forces blocked by Ukrainian forces and Dnieper river, barge carrying supplies to Russian forces sinks
Putin’s partial mobilization is due to start on Wednesday.
The statement came a day after Russia announced its intention to hold elections in Russian-controlled areas in eastern and southern Ukraine. This allows these regions to join Russia. Such an election would undoubtedly escalate the war.
Putin threatens Western countries not to interfere. He also discouraged “nuclear blackmail” and the use of nuclear weapons against Russia.
“For those who allow such statements about Russia, our country also has various means of destruction, is more modern than separate components and NATO countries, and if our territorial integrity is threatened, we should We will definitely use all means to protect our people,” Putin said.
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“It’s not a bluff,” added the Russian president.
Referendums are scheduled to start on Friday in the Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions.
If these regions succeed in joining Russia, Russia’s Security Council vice-president said Russia would be able to use “all means” to defend them. Such a vote to join Russia would also be considered “irreversible,” added Dmitry Medvedev.
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On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned these efforts, saying such votes were just “noise”.
“The frontline situation clearly shows that the initiative belongs to Ukraine,” he said. “Our position will not change with noise or announcements anywhere, and we enjoy the full support of our partners.”
A referendum vote rejected by Western leaders is expected to favor Russia.
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“I would like to thank all our friends and partners in Ukraine for today, on the basis of popular principles, categorically condemning Russia’s attempt to stage a new bogus referendum,” Zelensky said. Stated.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace responded to Putin’s comments in a tweet late Wednesday.
“President Putin’s unlawful annexation of parts of Ukraine by breaking his promise not to mobilize part of the population was an admission that his aggression had failed,” he said. . “He and his defense minister killed tens of thousands of their own people, ill-equipped and poorly coached.”
“No amount of intimidation or propaganda can hide the fact that Ukraine has won this war, the international community is united, and Russia is becoming a pariah of the world.”
The Department of Defense also released an information update
“These referendums follow the formal recognition of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic by the Russian Duma on February 21, 2022,” the ministry said. “This emergency is likely driven by fear of an imminent Ukrainian attack and the expectation of greater security after officially becoming part of Russia.”
“Russian civilian and military leaders have faced tremendous pressure over the past two weeks. It shows,” he added.
The nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia, which has become an urgent concern of the international community amidst Russian provocations, will be firmly under Russian control after elections to join Russia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.