The Russian president is calling up approximately 300,000 military reservists amid its fight with Ukraine, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 6,000 Russian soldiers since February; Many Russians are seeking to leave the country immediately following the president’s announcement.
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the military would call up an additional 300,000 reserve units amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, which has brought on heavy losses for the Russian military. Recent reports suggest that Russia has suffered approximately 6,000 deaths since it invaded Ukraine in February.
Following the announcement, multitudes of Russian citizens began the pursuit of leaving the country, only to be met by skyrocketing flight prices and flights that were selling out almost immediately. Furthermore, border crossing sites became overwhelmed as people sought to drive out of the country. According to at least one report, the draft will not involve students.
However, aside from the Russian president’s move to bring in more soldiers to accomplish his goals in Ukraine – a feat expected to take place in a matter of days following the invasion – a perhaps even more concerning notion is his threat to involve nuclear weaponry in the equation.
Putin, in reference to nuclear involvement, stated, “In the face of a threat to the territorial integrity of our country, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal…This is not a bluff… I will emphasize this again: with all the means at our disposal.”
