Vladimir Putin is back in news with his latest orders of mobilizing the military. After a decree for partial mobilization was signed, Putin through a televised speech announced that only citizens who are currently in the reserve and above all those who served in the Armed Forces, have certain military specialties and relevant experience, will be subject to enlistment.

The move will amount to 3,00,000 troops and will be Russia’s first mobilization since the second world war but as per the Russian President, the country is left with no other option but to use all available options in the arsenal to defend itself.

Putin was quoted to be saying, “West is calling to weaken, divide and destroy Russia. West has crossed the line and if the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we use all available means to protect our people.” He laid a special emphasis on ‘this is not a bluff’ and said that Russia had lots of weapons to reply to Western threats.

The Russian supremo also accused the west of nuclear blackmail, citing shelling by the Ukrainian forces on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant which is under Russian control, as shelling of this nature can lead to nuclear catastrophe. Alarmingly he said, "Those who are trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the wind can change in their direction," hinting at Russia’s capability to use nukes.

This comes at a time when pro-Russian authorities in four areas namely Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions of Ukraine much of which is now controlled by Russian soldiers have made provisions for referendums on joining Russia. While Putin thinks that most people living in regions under the control of Moscow did not want to be ruled by Kyiv anymore, Ukraine and its allies in the west believe that the referendums would be illegal and sham votes.

The regions in question make up about 15 percent of Ukraine and seeing Putin’s past track record, he is very much capable of mobilizing troops further if needed to achieve his goals from the 25 million strong reserves present in the country as in the recent days, he has faced strong opposition and advances from the Ukrainian forces.