Zelensky signs decree to call up reservists amid escalating Russian aggression
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had signed a decree to call up military reservists during a late Feb. 22 address to the nation.
The president stated that there was no need for a general mobilization as of yet, but the Ukrainian army would need to be quickly replenished.
“We must step up the readiness of the Ukrainian army for all possible changes in the operational situation,” Zelensky said.
“Training sessions for reservists in the territorial defense system will also be held in the near future.”
The president stressed that Ukrainians are a peaceful nation, but “if we keep silent today, we will disappear tomorrow.”
Earlier, the chairman of the ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction, David Arakhamia, said that he did not rule out that Ukraine might impose a state of emergency in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
On Feb. 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the non-government-controlled parts of Ukraine’s Donbas region, and immediately ordered Russian troops into Ukrainian territory on a self-proclaimed “peacekeeping” mission - representing a Russian withdrawal from the Minsk Agreement peace process.
The move came after a months-long military buildup of Russian troops on the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Following Russia’s actions, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sent a request to Zelensky to sever diplomatic relations with Russia.
Ukraine and the international community have condemned the Kremlin’s decision, while the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union announced initial sanctions in response to Russia’s violation of international law.
On Feb. 22, Russia’s Federation Council greenlighted the deployment of Russian military forces abroad.
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