Russia’s Mobilization Was ‘Predictable’ and Shows Failed War, Says Ukraine

Russia’s mobilization was a predictable step that will prove extremely unpopular and underscores that the war is not going according to Moscow’s plan, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters on Wednesday.

Podolyak declared in a text message that Russian President Vladimir Putin was trying to shift blame for the start of an “unprovoked war” and worsening Russia’s economic situation to the West.

Putin signed a partial mobilization decree that calls for 300,000 citizens to be called up to serve in the country’s military campaign in Ukraine.

According to the Russian leader, the measure takes place “to protect our homeland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to guarantee the security of our people and the people in the liberated territories, I consider it necessary to support the proposal of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff to carry out a partial mobilization in the Russian Federation”.

It was further announced that “if the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will certainly use all 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 motherland, our independence and freedom will be guaranteed, I will reiterate this, with all the means at our disposal,” he continued.

British Foreign Minister Gillian Keegan said Putin’s announcement was a worrying escalation and the threats he made must be taken seriously.

“Clearly it’s something we should take very seriously because, you know, we’re not in control – I’m not sure he’s in control either. This is obviously an escalation,” Keegan said.

“It’s scary… It’s a serious threat, but it’s been made before,” she told the BBC in a separate interview.