The Russian President Vladimir Putin
in an anticipated televised speech, pointed to an escalation of the war in Ukraine, a “Partial Military Mobilization” in his country, necessary – in his opinion – because the West wants to “weaken, divide and destroy Russia”.

Putin also told the West: “We have a lot of weapons to counter” against what he called “nuclear blackmail” by the West. “When the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will certainly use all military means at our disposal. Those who try to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that we have them too. This is not a bluff(Here the analysis of Putin’s words on nuclear energy, signed by Fabrizio Dragosei).

The latest news about the war in Ukraine, live

Putin’s announcement marks a turning point for Russia in its war effort: until now, Moscow has always called what is going on in Ukraine a “special military operation”, and the order is now the first Russian military mobilization since World War II.

Partial mobilization covers up to 300 thousand reservists (Russia has a military reserve of 2 million men).

With the partial military mobilization, the reserve’s military will be re-enlisted. «For the defense of our people, of the sovereignty of Russia and territorial integrity“I support the decision of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff to implement partial mobilization,” Putin said, explaining precisely that “the draft only concerns civilians who are currently part of the reserves, that is, those who in the armed struggle have served forces, who already have experience and training. The decree has already been signed “and the” initiatives “in application of the decree for the mobilization will start from today”.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, speaking on TV right after Putin, described the conditions on the ground as “difficult”: “We are not fighting against Ukraine, but against the West”.

The Donbass – the Russian president announced then, “is now partially liberated”: but a new step is needed, and for this “the areas of Ukraine referendum for accession to Russia have support»From Moscow.

Moscow’s goal in Ukraine remains “the liberation of the entire Donbass”, and it is an “unshakable” resolution.

The referendums, which will take place between September 23 and 27, were announced yesterday by the pro-Russian leaders of the Luhansky, Kherson (now under Russian control), Donetsk And Zaporizhzhya (areas where Ukraine is catching up). If the vote went as widely expected, these areas, which correspond to about 15 percent of Ukraine’s territory (and an area roughly the size of Portugal), would become Russian territory from Moscow’s point of view, and thus any Ukrainian territory. attack on these areas would be considered a direct attack on Moscow territory.

l’The West has already made it clear that it has no intention of recognizing the outcome of these referendums. Yesterday, both the US State Department and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said no to recognition.

Ukrainian President Zelensky’s adviser, Mikhailo Podolyak, said Putin’s words were “predictable” and indicate that “the war will not go ahead” according to Moscow’s plans.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs British he called Putin’s statement a “disturbing escalation”: “The Russian president’s words are acknowledgment of the failure of his invasion. He and his defense minister have sent tens of thousands of people to Ukraine to die, without adequate equipment and without leadership.”

Even the Vice Chancellor German Robert Habeck defined the escalation announced by Putin as “an escalation”, speaking of “a bad, wrong step”: “We will consult to see how to respond at the political level,” he explained. It is clear that Ukraine will have to continue to receive “full support”.

The US Ambassador to Ukraine he called Putin’s move “a sign of weakness”: “The United States will never recognize Russia’s claim to annex Ukrainian territory, and we will stand by Ukraine’s side for as long as necessary.”

The Chinese Foreign Minister – with a response of considerable importance – he asked “all parties involved” to “enter into a dialogue” and find a way to “respond to everyone’s concerns about safety”.