Newsman: Russian President Vladimir Putin said “those who try to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the prevailing winds can turn in their direction.” In a rare address to the nation on Wednesday, Russian President Putin said,
‘To defend Russia and our people, we doubtlessly will use all resources at our disposal,’ president says, adding: ‘This is not a bluff.’
“I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction and in some components more modern than those of the NATO countries,” he said. “And if the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal to protect Russia and our people.”
“This is not a bluff! The citizens of Russia can be sure that the territorial integrity of our homeland, our independence and freedom will be ensured, I will emphasize this again, with all the means at our disposal. And those who try to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the prevailing winds can turn in their direction.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ”partial mobilization” of Russia’s armed forces signing a decree that will send Russians who have gone through military training to join the fight in Ukraine while stopping short of an all-out draft. Announcing a partial mobilization of citizens, On Wednesday, he emphasized that Russia has access to “various means of destruction.”
The Russian leader Putin accused Western powers of providing Ukraine with long-range weapon systems that can strike deep into Russian territory — and again accused Ukraine and its allies of menacing Russia with nuclear threats. Putin warned Russia and its people would use “all available means” in their defense — noting Russia had its own capable nuclear arsenal. “This is no bluff,” Putin said.
In a pre-recorded address broadcast on state TV,, Putin also said the larger force was necessary as Ukraine continued to receive heavy weaponry from a “collective West” intent on “weakening, isolating, and destroying Russia.”
“Only those citizens will be drafted to military service who are currently in the reserve and first of all those who have served in the army, who have certain professions and have necessary experience,” will be recruited for the campaign, said Putin in a televised address to the nation.
The announcement came just a day after some Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine announced plans for referendums on becoming part of Russia.
The Russian leader backed plans for Russia to annex occupied areas of southern and eastern Ukraine, if Kyiv continues its efforts to reclaim that land.
Speaking after President Putin, defense minister Sergei Shoigu said an initial 300,000 reservists would be called up.
Only those with relevant combat and service experience will be mobilized, Shoigu said. The defense minister also provided new figures on Russian casualties — saying 5,937 Russian soldiers had died fighting in Ukraine. Another clause in the decree, which came into effect immediately, prevents most professional soldiers from terminating their contracts and leaving service until the partial mobilization is no longer in place.
