Ukraine mobilizes its reserves and calls on its nationals to leave Russia “immediately”
Reservists take part in training in Kiev, February 19, 2022. REUTERS - ANTONIO BRONIC
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Ukraine launched on Wednesday February 23 the mobilization of the reservists of its army and asked its nationals to leave Russia as soon as possible because of the fear of a military escalation.
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“
The mobilization begins today (Wednesday, editor’s note).
The maximum term of service is one year
,” the Ukrainian Ground Forces announced on Facebook.
An announcement that comes after
Vladimir Putin's decision to recognize the independence of the separatist territories in eastern Ukraine
.
The country has more than 200,000 reservists in addition to the 250,000 members of the regular armed forces.
No general mobilization
"
The mobilization will concern reservists aged 18 to 60
", officers and non-commissioned soldiers of the operational reserve called to join their unit of origin if necessary, it is also indicated.
The refusal to appear for this conscription without a plausible reason may be subject to “
administrative and criminal sanctions
”, specified the armed forces.
► To read also: Ukrainian crisis: Vladimir Putin blows hot and cold
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had however ruled out the day before in a televised speech a "
general mobilization
" while Russian parliamentarians authorized the Kremlin to deploy its army in the secessionist territories of Ukraine.
Three million Ukrainians in Russia
Kiev also called on its nationals on Wednesday to leave Russia as soon as possible, in a context
of "intensification of Russian aggression against Ukraine
", explains a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nearly three million Ukrainians live in Russia, according to Ukrainian estimates.
Russia announced on Tuesday the evacuation of its diplomats from Ukraine, accusing the Ukrainian authorities of not doing what is necessary to guarantee their safety.
(
with
AFP)
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Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky
Russia
Defense