Wednesday saw the first Russian mobilization since World War Two. President Vladimir Putin warned the West that if it maintained its “nuclear blackmail,” Moscow would retaliate with the full might of its vast arsenal.
In a televised speech to the nation, Putin stated: “If the territorial integrity of our country is challenged, we will use all possible measures to safeguard our people – this is not a bluff.” He also stated that Russia has “plenty of weapons to retaliate.”
According to the Russian defense minister, 300,000 reserves will be partially mobilized, and only those with prior military experience will be called up.
The crisis over Ukraine has been dramatically escalated by Putin’s partial mobilization, which comes as Russia fights off a Ukrainian counteroffensive that has compelled its forces to retreat and give up some of their captured lands.
Putin said that the West does not desire peace in Ukraine and that the partial military mobilization of Russia’s two million-strong military reserves was done to defend Russia and its territories.
According to British Foreign Office Minister Gillian Keegan, who spoke to Sky News, Putin’s address was a concerning uptick in rhetoric, and the warnings he made therein must be taken seriously.
“Since we are not in control—and I’m not sure he is—it is something we should take very seriously. This is escalating, “She said.
The crisis over Ukraine has been dramatically escalated by Putin’s partial mobilization, which comes as Russia fights off a Ukrainian counteroffensive that has compelled its forces to retreat and give up some of their captured lands.
Putin said that the West does not desire peace in Ukraine and that the partial military mobilization of Russia’s two million-strong military reserves was done to defend Russia and its territories.
According to British Foreign Office Minister Gillian Keegan, who spoke to Sky News, Putin’s address was a concerning uptick in rhetoric, and the warnings he made therein must be taken seriously.
“Since we are not in control—and I’m not sure he is—it is something we should take very seriously. This is escalating, “She said.
After Putin’s remarks, the Russian rouble dropped, and oil prices rose worldwide. The war has already brought on price increases for food and gasoline.
Putin reaffirmed that his goal was to “liberate” the industrial hub of east Ukraine’s Donbas area and that most of its residents did not want to return to what he called the “yoke” of Ukraine.
Luhansk and Donetsk, which together make up the Donbas territory Moscow partially controlled in 2014, are already regarded as autonomous entities in Russia. All of Ukraine’s region seized by Russian soldiers is seen as unlawfully captured by both Ukraine and the West.
After gradual gains after months of fierce combat, Russia currently controls around 60% of Donetsk and virtually all of Luhansk by the end of July.
These accomplishments are now in jeopardy due to Russian forces’ expulsion from the neighboring Kharkiv region this month, which resulted in the loss of their critical supply routes for a large portion of the Donetsk and Luhansk front lines.
In an apparent concerted action on Tuesday, Moscow-installed authorities in four Ukrainian regions’ seized territories announced intentions to organize referendums on joining Russia in the coming days, just before Putin’s address.
