Crowds took to the streets of the Russian capital after the Kremlin announced that 300,000 reservists would be called up to continue its invasion of Ukraine. Protesters chanted “No to war” in defiance as some were pinned to the ground or dragged away after being arrested by armed police. Ukraine war live: President Biden condemns ‘reckless’ threat of nuclear war At least 300 people in Moscow were among 1,371 arrested in 38 cities across the country on Wednesday night. Reporting from the capital, Sky News correspondent Diana Magnay said protesters were being “brutally dealt with”, describing the crowds as “extremely brave” for speaking out in what is a police state. “We haven’t seen protests in the cities in the last five or six months, people are so scared of being detained and that’s clearly what’s happening,” Magnay said. The Russians face the prospect of detention for taking part in anti-government rallying for years – but they have also been silenced by military censorship since the invasion began on February 24. Thousands took part in anti-war protests at the start of the conflict – despite the potential consequences, including losing their jobs and even jail – but now many are too afraid to speak out. “Many are concerned about escalation and don’t want to fight,” Magnay added. Footage of the clashes showed scores of uniformed police surrounding individual protesters. A woman was seen being escorted as she tried to stop police from arresting another male protester. Image: Hundreds of people took to the streets to demonstrate against the partial mobilization. Image: A woman flanked by officers in Moscow. But some of the older generations are convinced that mobilization is necessary, Magnai said. Mr Putin addressed the nation this morning for the first time since sending troops into battle in February in what Russia described as a “special military operation”. Read more: Analysis: Russia takes new stance after Ukraine’s swift offensive Five British prisoners of war held by Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine are freed In a pre-recorded clip, he emphasized that the order was only for partial conscription: “Only those who are in reserve will be conscripted.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:24 In a speech filled with announcements about the “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russia’s president says he will use “weapons of destruction” to defend his country. But he vowed that Russia would use every tool in its arsenal to protect its soil as he issued a nuclear threat to Western leaders, warning them: “I’m not bluffing.” The Kremlin had earlier said it was not considering a partial or full mobilization. Today’s announcement came two weeks after Ukraine’s swift offensive saw it regain control of cities in the Kharkiv region – as Moscow was forced to withdraw from two front-line positions. Many have tried to leave Russia with flights scheduled to leave Moscow sold out as the price of anything left soars into the thousands of pounds.
