Putin Announces Partial Mobilization, Reserves Called for Military Duty

A decree on partial mobilization in Russia has been signed by President Vladimir Putin and will come into force on Wednesday, September 21.

This partial military mobilization puts the country’s people and economy on a wartime footing as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues.

“I consider it necessary to support the proposal of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff to conduct partial mobilization in the Russian Federation. That is, only citizens who are currently in the reserve will be subject to conscription. And above all, those who served in the Armed Forces, have certain military specialties and relevant experience,” Putin said during an address earlier today.

He reiterated earlier claims that Russia’s aim is to “liberate” the Donbas.

The Russian leader added that those called up for military service will undergo additional military training without fail before being sent to units.

The proxy authorities in four Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine – Donetsk, Luhansk (both in the Donbas region), Kherson & Zaporizhzhia - have announced their intentions to hold referendums between 23-27 September on joining the Russian Federation. The votes would enable the Kremlin to claim that it was “defending” its own territory and citizens.

Ukraine and its Western allies have condemned the move and said they would not recognize the ballots and efforts to annex more of Ukraine, as Russia did with Crimea in 2014.