Putin announces partial military mobilization

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a partial military mobilization in Russia, putting the country on a wartime footing amid its war with Ukraine, which Moscow previously called a “special operation”. 

In a pre-recorded televised video, the Russian president said that the West “wants to destroy our country” and claimed the West had tried to “turn Ukraine’s people into cannon fodder,” noting that mobilization events” would begin Wednesday”

Putin also stressed that he had ordered an increase in funding to boost Russia’s weapons production, with no further details what the partial mobilization could refer to.  

The partial mobilization could mean that Russian businesses and citizens have to contribute more to the war effort.

The Russian State Duma on Tuesday adopted amendments to the country’s Criminal Code to increase liability for certain crimes against military service. 

New concepts have been introduced into the Criminal Code, which included voluntary surrender, looting, mobilization, wartime and martial law. 

Per the amendments, an individual faces three to ten years in prison if there are no signs of treason, while for looting – up to 15 years in prison.