Full-scale mobilization could also damage the struggling Russian economy, he said. “It would change the whole Kremlin narrative,” said Ignatov, noting that the move would force Putin to admit that the invasion of Ukraine has not gone to plan. Mobilization could mean extending conscription for soldiers currently in the armed forces, calling on reservists or bringing in men of fighting age who have had military training, said Ignatov.īut it would also represent a big risk for Putin. Russian forces have lost at least 15,000 soldiers since the beginning of the war, according to Nixey, and reinforcements will be needed if Moscow is to achieve its goals in Ukraine. Russian servicemen at a parade rehearsal on April 28. The Russian president has a keen eye for symbolism, having launched the invasion of Ukraine the day after Defender of the Fatherland Day, another crucial military day in Russia. Western officials have long believed that Putin would leverage the symbolic significance and propaganda value of the day to announce either a military achievement in Ukraine, a major escalation of hostilities – or both. “May 9 is designed to show off to the home crowd, to intimidate the opposition and to please the dictator of the time,” said James Nixey, director of the Russia-Eurasia Programme at Chatham House told CNN. Victory Day is marked by a military parade in Moscow, and Russian leaders traditionally stand on the tomb of Vladimir Lenin in Red Square to observe it. May 9, known as “Victory Day” inside Russia, commemorates the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. Western officials believe Putin could formally declare war on Ukraine as soon as May 9, a symbolic day for Russia, paving the way for him to step his campaign. The measure is usually accompanied by curfews, the suspension of civil law, and the application or extension of military law and justice to civilians.Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, and since then President Vladimir Putin has insisted that his troops are carrying out a “special military operation” instead of a war.īut speculation is growing that this could change in the coming days. “We are introducing martial law on the whole territory of our country.” There were blasts heard in many cities of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in an address to the nation. Russia conducted strikes on our military infrastructure and our border guards. “Dear Ukrainian citizens, this morning President Putin announced a special military operation in Donbas. In an address on Thursday, Zelenskyy said the measures were being taken in response to Russia’s act of aggression, urging people to not panic and remain at home. The move on Thursday came a day after Zelenskyy announced a state of emergency that allows authorities to impose restrictions on movement, block rallies, and ban political parties and organisations “in the interests of national security and public order”.Īl Jazeera takes a quick look at what the measure means and its implications for Ukrainians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law and accused Russia of acting like “Nazi Germany” after President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine.
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