Russian police officers block a street during a protest against unjust war on Arbat Street, on September 21, 2022, in Moscow, Russia.
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More than 1,300 people have been arrested in Russia after the case of President Vladimir Putin Calling for more forces to join the war in Ukraineaccording to the independent human rights group OVD-Info.
About 1,307 people reported detained in 39 cities across the country as of Thursday morning, with the largest number being arrested in Moscow (at least 527) and St.Petersburg (at least 480).
Nearly 50 people have been arrested in the country’s fourth-largest city of Yekaterinburg, while dozens are also detained in several cities in Siberia.
Prices of one-way flights out of Russia skyrocketed after Putin’s statement and image on social media There was a long queue at the border posts.
On Wednesday, Putin gave a rare pre-recorded televised speech ordering the partial militarization of the reserve forces to bolster forces in Ukraine, a move unpopular. They have sparked nationwide protests in defiance of Russia’s draconian laws against criticism of the military and the war in Ukraine.
Russia has yet to declare war on Ukraine, despite invading in February, and it calls its invasion a “special military operation”.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the deployment of the army will bring an additional 300,000 service members to be summoned to serve in the military operation in Ukraine.
An activist participates in an unorganized protest at Arbat Street on September 21, 2022 in Moscow, Russia. The mobilizing pun sign reads “No Burial”.
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Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia speak servicemen of the Russian Interior Ministry took “additional measures” in response to anti-war protests and to “ensure public order.”
“Complications of the operational situation have been prevented,” the ministry said in a statement.
“In some areas, attempts have been made to commit illegal acts, attracting an extremely small number of participants. They are all stopped, and offenders detained and taken away. to territorial police units for investigation and prosecution.”
‘Reckless’ and ‘irresponsible’
In what is widely understood to be an escalation address, Putin warned the West that he was ready to use all available means to defend Russian territory. His remarks were seen as a thinly veiled threat that he was prepared to use nuclear weapons.
Putin has alluded to Russia’s nuclear weapons at various points in the conflict with Ukraine. However, doubts remain as to whether Moscow would actually use such a weapon, with analysts suggesting it could be tantamount to starting a third world war. .
US President Joe Biden condemn Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons and calls on allied leaders of the United Nations to reject Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at UN headquarters in New York City, Biden accused the Kremlin of making “reckless” and “irresponsible” threats, saying, “an unwinnable nuclear war and was never carried out”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported In an interview with German online TV channel Bild on Wednesday, he said he did not believe the world would allow Putin to use nuclear weapons.
– CNBC’s Holly Ellyatt contributed to this report.
