Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has announced that a partial military mobilisation is to be declared in Russia. He made this announcement in a message addressed to Russians, which was broadcast on the morning of 21 September.
“For the defence of our homeland and its integrity, I consider it necessary to declare a partial military mobilisation,” the president said.
Only those citizens who are in the reserve and, first and foremost, those who have served in the ranks of the armed forces, possess certain military-registration specialities and relevant experience, will be subject to conscription. Those called up for military service must undergo mandatory additional military training before departing for their units.
As Putin noted in his message to citizens, the measure of partial mobilisation has been adopted for the defence of Russia, its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of the Russian people.
“All questions of material, resource and financial support for defence measures must be resolved promptly by the government,” Putin ordered.
The head of state recalled the West’s openly anti-Russian policy and Washington’s and Brussels’ aspiration to destroy the country. He noted that Russia will use all available means for its defence.
The previous day, the Duma had adopted amendments that simplify the acquisition of citizenship for foreigners who have signed a contract to perform military service in the Russian army.
In addition, the Duma approved the introduction into the Criminal Code of the concepts of “mobilisation”, “martial law”, “wartime” and “armed conflict”. The lower house of parliament also confirmed amendments providing for punishment for desertion and voluntary surrender.
Russia has a huge mobilisation resource; during the partial mobilisation, 300,000 reservists are to be called up, said Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
“We have a huge mobilisation resource, that is, those who have served, who have combat experience, who have a military speciality; their number reaches 25 million. This is a partial mobilisation — 1 per cent, a little more… 300,000 reservists who are to be called up,” Shoigu said on the air of “Russia 24”.
