Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the partial mobilization of military reservists Wednesday, a significant escalation of his war in Ukraine after battlefield setbacks left the Kremlin facing growing pressure to act.
In a rare national address, Putin also backed plans for Russia to annex occupied areas of southern and eastern Ukraine and appeared to threaten nuclear retaliation if Kyiv continues its efforts to reclaim that land.
The announcement came just a day after four Russian-controlled areas announced they would stage votes this week on breaking away from Ukraine and joining Russia.
Across Russia, more than 1,300 people were detained at protests denouncing the move, a rights group said.