Putin asserts need to protect Russia's sovereignty; 'will not give in to intimidation'

Hours after ordering a partial mobilization of reservists, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the country's "heroes" fighting in Ukraine and emphasized the "colossal responsibility" of protecting Russian sovereignty. Putin was speaking at an event on Wednesday commemorating the 1,160th anniversary of Russian statehood in Moscow. The Russian leader said history has shown that it is "fatally dangerous" let go of the country's "national interests".

"Don't expect any more similar mistakes from us", Putin told the audience, adding "we will not give in to blackmail and intimidation."

Russian President Putin also ordered a partial mobilization of reservists Wednesday, taking a risky and deeply unpopular step that follows humiliating setbacks for his troops nearly seven months after invading Ukraine. The first such call-up in Russia since World War II heightened tensions with the Western backers of Ukraine, who derided it as an act of weakness and desperation. The move also sent some Russians scrambling to buy plane tickets out of the country, and hundreds of people were arrested at antiwar demonstrations across the country.

In his seven-minute nationally televised address, Putin also warned the West that he isn’t bluffing over using everything at his disposal to protect Russia — an apparent reference to his nuclear arsenal. He has previously told the West not to back Russia against the wall and has rebuked NATO countries for supplying weapons to Ukraine.

The Kremlin has struggled to replenish its troops in Ukraine, reaching out for volunteers. There have even been reports of widespread recruitment in prisons. The total number of reservists to be called up could be as high as 300,000, officials said. However, Putin’s decree authorizing the partial mobilization, which took effect immediately, offered few details, raising suspicions that the draft could be broadened at any moment. Notably, one clause was kept secret.