More than 1,250 protesters were arrested across Russia on Wednesday after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization of reservists, the human rights watchdog OVD-Info said.
Putin is looking to bulk up his forces in Ukraine, where Russia has had high battlefield losses and recently lost ground during a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said only those with previous military experience are eligible to be drafted, and up to 300,000 reservists are expected to be called up to serve.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Why is Tesla stumbling?In the Spotlight More competition, confusion about the future and a giant pay package for Elon Musk
-
How Taylor Swift changed copyright negotiations in musicunder the radar The success of Taylor's Version rerecordings has put new pressure on record labels
-
Job scams are increasingly common. Here's what to look out for.The Explainer You should never pay for an application or give out your personal info before being hired
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
-
Why is Islamic State targeting Russia?Today's Big Question Islamist terror group's attack on 'soft target' in Moscow was driven in part by 'opportunity and personnel'
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
-
How likely is an accidental nuclear incident?The Explainer Artificial intelligence, secret enemy tests or false alarms could trigger inadvertent launch or detonation
-
Where has the Wagner Group gone?Today's Big Question Kremlin takes control of Russian mercenaries after aborted mutiny and death of leadership
-
Will Ukraine's leadership reset work?Today's Big Question Zelenskyy hints at ousting of popular military chief, but risks backlash amid dwindling munitions, delayed funding and Russian bombardment
