Partial mobilization in Russia was announced on Wednesday morning by the country’s president, Vladimir Putin, in his speech that was expected from Tuesday evening.

Attempting to explain the reasoning behind his announcement, he said that “the army is fighting Western operations on a front of more than 1,000 km in Ukraine.”

As he said the decision was taken “to protect the motherland, its sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the safety of the citizens”.

The Russian president once again threatened to use nuclear weapons, saying “I’m not bluffing!”.

Putin at the start of his speech accused the West of waging war against Russia in Ukraine since 2014.

He argued that the decision to launch a military operation was the only possible solution since the West refused to allow a peaceful solution “to the problem of Donbas”.

According to Putin, the Ukrainian army is trained by NATO “and is actually commanded by foreign leaders” adding that “terrorist and intimidation tactics” against Russia have intensified recently.

As he said, Western countries are trying to “block” any possibility of independence and development.

“The intention of the West is to weaken and destroy us, they say this openly”. Our main goal for the liberation of the people of Donbas remains unchanged, the Russian president also emphasized.

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Referring to the partial conscription decision, which comes into effect today, he said it only affects those registered as reservists. Addressing those who will enlist, he assured them that “all the privileges that all those who are already in service will be given”.

At the same time, he declared that he “supports” the decision of the residents of Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine to proceed to referendums as announced on Tuesday, stressing that he will do everything he can to ensure safe conditions for the holding of referendums for citizens who want to express their will.

The Russian president accused the West of “nuclear blackmail” against his country and threatened to use nuclear weapons, saying shortly before the end of his speech that “those who threaten us with nuclear weapons should know that this threat can be turned against them.”

As he said Russia has “enough weapons to respond” adding: “I’m not bluffing”.

Vladimir Putin has finally announced an increase in funding for Russia’s military industry to boost weapons production.