PUTIN MOBILISES MORE TROOPS

As a result of battlefield setbacks and mounting international pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the partial mobilisation of military reserves on Wednesday. This marked a significant advance in his war in Ukraine.

In a rare national speech, Putin also supported Russian annexation plans for the seized territories in southern and eastern Ukraine and seemed to threaten nuclear retaliation if Kyiv persisted in its efforts to recapture that territory.

The declaration came the day after four Russian-controlled regions declared they would hold votes this week on seceding from Ukraine and joining Russia. Kyiv and its Western allies slammed the announcement as a desperate "sham" meant to prevent a successful counter - offensive by Ukrainian forces.