Putin’s partial mobilization significantly escalates the conflict over Ukraine and comes as Russia battles a Ukrainian counter-offensive that has forced its troops to retreat and surrender some occupied territory. Putin said the partial military mobilization of its 2 million-strong military reserves was to defend Russia and its territories, claiming the West did not want peace in Ukraine. Russia already considers Luhansk and Donetsk, which together make up the Donbas region Moscow partially occupied in 2014, to be independent states. Ukraine and the West consider all parts of Ukraine held by Russian forces to be illegally occupied. More LessSubscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Source: Mint September 21, 2022 22:13 UTC