Russians took to the streets — and to the sky — Wednesday in opposition to Vladimir Putin’s mobilization order sending reservists to fight in Ukraine as his threats of nuclear warfare intensified.
The order — which would throw 300,000 more troops into the increasingly desperate fight — sparked a wave of protests across Russia and a run on one-way tickets out of the country.
The mobilization came alongside chilling threats to defend Russian territory with nuclear weapons, as the Kremlin planned to call a quarter of Ukraine part of Russia.
“I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction,” Putin said in a Wednesday morning televised address. “When the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal.”
With an icy stare at the camera, the Russian strongman added, “It’s not a bluff.”
Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia’s “territorial integrity” comes as his puppet regimes in Ukraine prepare to declare the occupied parts of that country Russian territory. --->READ MORE HERE
A dramatic timelapse video from a flight tracking service appears to show hundreds of Russians fleeing their country after President Vladimir Putin ordered the mobilization of at least 300,000 reservists to fight in Ukraine.
Flightradar24, a Swedish company that provides real-time aircraft flight tracking information, shared a video on Thursday showing a massive number of flights departing airports in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The video was created a day after Putin made a national address to announce Russia’s largest draft since World War II, which went into immediate effect, following a series of embarrassing setbacks for his forces in Ukraine after seven months of fighting.
“We are talking about partial mobilization, that is, only citizens who are currently in the reserve will be subject to conscription, and above all, those who served in the armed forces have a certain military specialty and relevant experience,” Putin said.
News of the military call-up sparked protests in more than three dozen Russian cities resulting in some 1,300 arrests, and sent prices for one-way airline tickets soaring. --->READ MORE HEREFollow links below to +++++relevant+++++ and related stories:
+++++Russia-Ukraine News LATEST UPDATES: (REUTERS) (AP) (NY POST) and (WSJ)+++++
+++++Putin bluster is all bluff — he’s losing at home and in Ukraine+++++
+++++Russians trying to avoid war call-up search ‘how to break arm at home’+++++
Dmytro Kuleba mocks Lavrov: 'Russian diplomats flee almost as aptly as Russian soldiers'
Russia arrests at least 1,400 protesters as others rush to flee
Putin reportedly enlists serial killers, a cannibal to fight in Ukraine war
In Ukraine’s retaken battlefields, soldiers recover bodies
Battles in Eastern Ukraine: National Guards of Ukraine help captured occupier
Bipartisan Group in Congress Urges Pentagon to Send Ukraine Advanced Drones
National Guardsman shoots down Russian Mi-8 helicopter with Igla MANPADS
Putin’s Escalation Faces Risks in Russia-Ukraine War
Poland distributes iodine pills as fears grow over Ukraine nuclear plant
‘Battle for democracy’: Ukrainian soldier mom opens up about life on the frontlines
EU says members will need joint position on Russians arriving at borders
Steel plant defenders, Putin ally exchanged in prisoner swap
EU ministers agree to press ahead with new Russia sanctions
Two US veterans among 10 prisoners released by Russian separatists
Britain, Poland, Ukraine to strengthen defence co-operation
Front line farming: Bombs disrupt critical Ukraine industry
If you like what you see, please "Like" and/or Follow us on FACEBOOK here, GETTR here, and TWITTER here.
No comments:
Post a Comment