Putin May Declare War on Ukraine - CNN

As of today, Russia calls the Russian army's invasion of Ukraine a "special operation to liberate Donbas". It is possible that Russian President Vladimir Putin will formally declare war on Ukraine in his May 9 Victory Day speech. This was reported by CNN on Tuesday night, May 3, citing U.S. officials. According to the sources, such a move would allow the Russian leader to declare a mobilization to send larger troops to conquer eastern and southern Ukraine. "A formal declaration of war on May 9, under Russian law, would allow Putin to mobilize reserve forces and draft conscripts that Russia desperately needs amid a growing manpower shortage for the war in Ukraine," the article reads. The publication also names other options for the Kremlin's next actions linked to the sacred date. "Other options for May 9 include annexing the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, making a major push for Odessa in the south, or declaring full control over Mariupol," CNN writes. Note, as of today Russia calls the Russian army's invasion of Ukraine a "special operation to liberate Donbas." Earlier, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that Putin may use Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9 to announce the mass mobilization of its reserves for a decisive strike on Ukraine. Корреспондент