Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sept. 21 ordered the partial mobilization of the Russian army, the first military call-up of its kind since the Second World War.
The announcement came less than 24 hours after pro-Russian leaders in four Ukrainian provinces announced plans to hold referendums on leaving Ukraine and joining the Russian Federation.
The twin developments, which drew swift condemnation from Ukraine and its allies, appear to have surprised many observers.
“Clearly it’s something that we should take very seriously because, you know, we’re not in control. I’m not sure he [Putin] is in control either,” British Foreign Office Minister Gillian Keegan said….