The Kremlin strongly denied that 1 million reservists would be called to fight. Source: Shutterstock.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that 300,000 military reservists will be drafted to fight in the war against Ukraine.
In a national address from Moscow, Putin said there would be a partial military mobilization to help with their military operation.
“We are talking about partial mobilisation, 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 and have a certain military speciality and relevant experience,” he said.
The declaration has called for around 300,000 people but will not include students or conscripts.
According to the Russian military, these reservists will first have to undergo training and refresher courses before they are deployed to Ukraine.
It’s believed that Russia has 1.2 million reservists and media reports have suggested that all members would be called to arms.
However according to Russian publication Pravda, a Kremlin representative has vehemently denied these allegations saying, “these are all fakes”.
The announcement comes a few days after plans were revealed for a referendum in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya areas that are under Russian occupation.
It would essentially mean that if these areas do officially become a part of Russia, the Kremlin would consider attacks on these regions as against the federation.
In Putin’s address, he issued a warning to those against Russia, saying he would use any means necessary to defend his homeland.
“To those who allow themselves such statements regarding Russia, I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction, and for separate components and more modern than those of NATO countries and when the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal,” he said.
“It’s not a bluff.”
