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It's not a war, but a Special Military Operation. And that operation goes so well, it is now time not to call a general mobilisation, but only a partial mobilisation.
On Wednesday September 21, at 09:15h, Russian President Vladimir Putin made the announcement that was rumored since days: all members of the Russian Army's reserve, as well as anybody who has ever served in the Russian military, are called upon to do their duty in the Special Military Operation, fighting the Nazi-Ukrainian forces.
Refusing to report will result in 15 years prison. Skipping out during service will result in 15 years prison. And surrendering to the enemy without being incapacitated will result in 15 years prison, as will not trying to flee from a POW camp.
The move is not unexpected. The Ukrainian counter-offensive triggered the first comments on Russian television about the need for mobilisation, and it was just waiting until Russian regional elections had passed, last week. On top of that, the recent meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation didn't go to plan, apparently.
First there was India's Modi publicly stating that this ain't a time for war, and that he had repeatedly asked to stop the whole thing. Then there was a falling out over the same subject with both Turkey and Kazakhstan, to which Putin apparently reacted very agressively. All combined might perhaps explain the rather confused press conference afterwards.
Immediately after the end of the SCO Summit, one Nikolai Patrushev stepped on a plane to meet with Chinese colleagues to discuss strategic stability and public security and law and order. He returned after 2 days, on the 19th. On the 20th, a statement by Putin was announced for the evening, but that was postponed for reasons unknown.
In a first phase, 300,000 reservists are being called up but, as Russia's Kommersant business newspaper noted, the total number of people who will be called up is secret, hence open to modification.
Do I need to add that it all ended with the threat to use nuclear weapons?
Official announcement here.
(Score: 1, Troll) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday September 21 2022, @07:22PM
Well, now. Let me see here. Actually, allow me to turn the question around on you. Do you believe that treaties are important? Have not the various heads of state from most of the civilized world made much of treaties, agreements, etc ad nauseum?
The fact is, there are no formal treaties between NATO nations and Ukraine to defend Ukraine from - - - anything. If the Martians invade Ukraine tomorrow, we aren't obligated to come to Ukraine's aid. If the creatures inside of the hollow earth invade Ukraine, same thing. If 20th dimensional beings invade, ditto the above.
Poland, however, being a member of NATO, actually has treaties and agreements in place. If Poland is invaded by whomever, whatever, Poland has every right to expect that NATO comes to Poland's defense.
Let us reinforce that: Poland is a member of NATO and the EU, Ukraine is not a member of NATO or the EU. We are obligated to defend Poland, we have no obligation to defend Ukraine.
Actually, if you want to be honest, there is no protection from nukes. Once launched, you're fucked, no matter who you are, where you are, or how many treaties purport to protect you.
But, do go on. Tell us how backing Russia into a corner is protecting us.