Berlin, September 21 (QNA) - German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has strongly criticized Russia's decision to partially mobilize its armed forces.
In his statements today, Habeck said that this was a bad and wrong step, adding that the German government is currently studying a response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision. In this context, Habeck pledged once again Germany's full support for Ukraine.
The Russian President has announced today the partial mobilization of the army, in a speech to the nation.
Russian channel: Russia Today, reported that the Ministry of Defense recommended calling reservists for active service, as there is an extended confrontation against Ukraine.
President Putin said that the partial mobilization of the army in Russia is logical and necessary under the current circumstances, adding that he signed an order to start mobilization today.
Netherlands: Russia's Mobilization is Sign of Kremlin's Panic
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's military mobilization order is a sign of the Kremlin's panic, and should not be seen as a direct threat of all-out war with the West.
"The mobilization, calling for referenda in the Donetsk, it is all a sign of panic. His rhetoric on nuclear weapons is something we have heard many times before, and it leaves us cold," Rutte told Dutch broadcaster NOS. Earlier Wednesday, the Russian president announced that hundreds of thousands of Russians had been summoned to fight in Ukraine, warning the West that Moscow would use all means available to it to defend itself.
China Urges Dialogue After Russia's Mobilization Announcement
China's Foreign Ministry urged all parties to engage in dialogue and consultations and find a way to address each other's security concerns, after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West over what he described as "nuclear blackmail." China's position on Ukraine is consistent and clear, said Wang Wenbin, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, at a press briefing on Wednesday.
Earlier Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the partial mobilization of the reserve forces, stressing that his country has many weapons to respond to what he described as Western threats.