Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced an immediate partial mobilization and threatened to deploy nuclear weapons in his war against Ukraine.
In a pre-recorded address broadcast on state TV, Putin said he was calling up reservists to aid in Russia’s war against Ukraine, but would not implement a general conscription drive for now. He added that, in the first instance, reservists with training and experience would be called to serve on the fronts.
Putin also said Russia would “do everything to provide a safe environment” for Kremlin-installed proxies who on Tuesday pledged to hold referendums on joining the Russian Federation.
Making vague references to the threat posed to Russia by NATO’s atomic weapons, he boasted of Russia’s own nuclear arms.
“To defend Russia and our people, we doubtlessly will use all resources at our disposal,” Putin said. “This is not a bluff.”
