Russian military parade in Moscow, 2022. Image: AFP via The Sun.
(The Post News) -In one of Russia’s biggest conscription drives, President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree to recruit 135,000 soldiers amid its growing rift with Europe. German chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Russia’s actions have been a war against “freedom”; therefore, the European Union can no longer be at peace with the nuclear-powered country.
On Monday, the German chancellor explained that while the region won’t be at war with Russia, it will not stand for their attacks on Ukraine and constant airspace incursions in NATO member countries. European Union (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas had said that Russia is provoking and testing “the West’s resolve” as they and the United States have tried to advocate for peace and diplomatic talks.
In a continent that largely advocates for democracy, Merz states that this would undermine their calls for freedom and the bloc’s unity. Meanwhile, starting Wednesday, the Russian government begins their 3-month-long draft of citizens who are not on the reserve. Similar to their largest conscription in 2016, the citizens will be between 18 and 30 years old. The move highlights Russia’s intentions to continue fighting.
In a video published on the Kremlin’s website, the Russian president spoke highly of the “righteous battle” the country is waging against Ukraine. He said, “Together we are defending our love for the Motherland and the unity of our historical destiny; we are fighting, and we are prevailing.”
The video came out just as reports of an overnight attack in Ukraine made headlines on Tuesday. Russia reportedly seized two villages in the Donetsk region and killed a family of 4 in Sumy.
Ukraine Fights Back Against Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is still making “strong progress” in driving out the Russian military in its Dobropillia area. The counteroffensive has been going on for a month, and Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 175 square kilometers, killing 1,769 Russian soldiers along the way.
Dobropillia marks the fourth territory liberated by Ukraine in September since Russia invaded its southern and eastern regions.
Additionally, the president signalled his intent to begin targeting central Russian areas once they receive the long-range weapons promised by the United States. The decision came after talks between world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, which caused U.S. President Donald Trump to shift his stance in support of Ukraine.
The president had said that Russian and Kremlin officials need to start looking for their nearest “bomb shelters” in Moscow.
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