Putin Announces Partial Mobilization in Russia

Home / Security / Putin Announces Partial Mobilization in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had signed a decree introducing partial mobilization in Russia. In a televised address, Putin said that “only citizens who are currently in the reserve and, above all, those who have served in the armed forces and have certain military professions and relevant experience will be recruited for military service.” Putin called the partial mobilization “an urgent step necessary for protection of Russia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.” He noted that mobilization events will begin today, September 21. Earlier, the State Duma adopted in the second and third readings amendments to the Criminal Code, which supplement the Criminal Code with concepts of “mobilization”, “martial law” and “wartime”, as well as increasing the penalty for defection. The amendments also introduce jail terms for voluntary surrender and looting.