The Russian Defense Minister announced on Wednesday the mobilization of 300,000 reservists and acknowledged that the country lost 5,937 soldiers during the campaign in Ukraine that began in February.
The minister explained the terms of the mobilization after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial mobilization” of citizens, at a time when the war in Ukraine is about to complete seven months.
The measure, which comes into effect immediately, is due to the need to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Russian head of state stressed in the message broadcast on television.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February 24, is ready to use “all means” at its disposal to “protect itself”, said Putin, who has accused the West of trying to destroy the country.
The announcement of the “partial mobilization” of Russians of fighting age paves the way for an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
“I consider it necessary to support the proposal [do Ministério da Defesa] of partial mobilization of citizens in the reserve, those who have already served (…) and with relevant experience”, he declared.
“The partial mobilization decree has been signed” and enters into force today, added Putin, who underlined “speaking only of partial mobilization”, in response to rumors that have emerged in the last few hours about a general mobilization.
Source: TSF
