Putin Declares Partial Mobilization

In his first address to the nation about Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Vladimir Putin announced on September 21 that he had signed a decree ordering a partial mobilization. With the almost seven-month war suffering setbacks and Kyiv regaining territory in a counteroffensive, Putin said his decision was based on the recommendation of his Defense Ministry and General Staff. The mobilization is due to start immediately.