After Vladimir Putin’s speech, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu took the floor. Partial mobilization will involve 300,000 people, said the Russian Defense Minister.
The minister assured, similarly to Vladimir Putin, that the mobilization should concern only people with military experience and “there will be no vocations for students”. According to Russia’s defense minister, the aforementioned 300,000. conscripts accounts for 1 percent. Russia’s overall mobilization potential.
Vladimir Putin delivered a message to the nation. He announced partial mobilization in Russia. The message was broadcast at 9:00 AM local time, 8:00 PM UK time.
“The goal of some of the Western elites is to weaken our country. They say Russia should break into several conflicting parts. They made total Russophobia their weapon”, said the Russian leader.
On September 21, that is, immediately after the delivery of the message, partial mobilization will begin. The citizens who are in reserve will be sent to the service. It is mainly about everyone who has any experience, but the conscripts will receive appropriate training anyway. There are about 2.5-3 million such people in Russia.
On the occasion of the address, Vladimir Putin once again threatened Western states.
“NATO is exploring the whole of southern Russia. They openly say that Russia must be defeated on the battlefield. Nuclear blackmail is also at stake. For those who say such words, I would like to remind you that our country also has such opportunities. We use every means to protect our people. It’s not a bluff. Our sovereignty and freedom will be secured by all available means”, he said.
A few words have also been said about the referenda to join the separatist republics to Russia. Putin said Russia “will make every effort to keep them secure”.
