Rysslands president Vladimir Putin issues decree on increased army mobilization. One reason is the threat posed by ”NATO expansion.”
Ukraine is also preparing to reinforce its forces to stop the Russian invasion war.
The announcement from the Russian military on Friday evening about an ordered troop reinforcement of ”15 percent” came after Putin had already ordered mobilization through the decree.
”The increase in the army’s full-time forces is due to increased threats related to the special military operation and the continued expansion of NATO,” the Russian army announced in a statement.
In actual numbers, the Russian mobilization means a reinforcement of 170,000 soldiers. The increase is a ”reasonable” response to ”aggressive activities of the NATO group.”
However, individuals will not be forcibly conscripted. A previous Russian mobilization during the invasion war was met with sharp criticism, and many men fled the country for fear of being drafted.
This time, mobilization will be done through promises of economic compensation, according to the military.
The announcements from the Kremlin came at the same time as Ukrainian President Zelensky addressed the need for more people to be called to the Ukrainian defense forces.
In a video address to the nation, Zelensky said that the rules would be changed to improve mobilization. He said he believed that most Ukrainians understand the need for more soldiers.
Ukraine’s military command has also gathered to discuss how to achieve ”more concrete results” in pushing back the Russian assault war next year, according to Zelensky.
