Putin Ups the Ante on a War That’s Going Wrong
Vladimir Putin addresses the nation in Moscow on Sept. 21.
Source: Russian Presidential Press Service
President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly assured Russians his invasion of Ukraine is going just as he planned, even as his forces have failed to deliver on the ground. That narrative cracked today as he announced he would draft reservists into his war machine with immediate effect.
Russia is fighting not only Ukraine but the entire “collective West” that wants to destroy it, Putin said in a speech explaining the decision on national television. He again threatened to use all available means including nuclear weapons to defend territory. “This is not a bluff,” he said.