Ukraine war: Putin orders partial mobilisation after facing setbacks

(BBC) Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling up thousands of extra troops to fight in Ukraine after suffering setbacks on the battlefield.

Mr Putin said the partial mobilisation was necessary to ensure Russian territorial integrity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it showed Mr Putin wanted to drown Ukraine in blood – including that of his own soldiers.

The announcement applies to 300,000 military reservists.

They make up a fraction of the about 25 million Russian reservists – people who have done their compulsory military service.

The mobilisation is the first since World War Two and comes after Ukraine made gains in a rapid counter-offensive this month, putting the Kremlin on the back foot.