Russian president, Vladimir Putin was expected to address the nation, but didn’t. Now there are reports the Kremlin is in chaos
Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to deliver a nationally televised speech, a speech which would have been his first since the invasion of Ukraine began.
The address was expected to focus on the war. State media was reporting Putin was due to make an announcement at 8 pm Moscow time, but these tweets have now been deleted.
Pro-Kremlin news outlets have now told their readers to ‘go to bed‘ and there are now reports the address has been rescheduled to 8AM Moscow time.
Analysts are suggesting the speech may serve to announce a partial mobilisation in Russia.
The White House was expecting the announcement of a “general mobilisation” of the Russian military in a possible pretext for full-scale war.
“We saw it announced that it was going to be at 8 o’clock Moscow time. We’ve just seen a tweet from RT to say it’s not going to be on at 8 o’clock Moscow time – and anyway that has now passed,” retired senior British Army officer General sir Richard Shirreff told Sky News.
It comes as the Russian leader faces growing scrutiny within his on nation, as Ukrainian forces continue to push Russian troops out of occupied territory and back towards the border.
Turkey speaks up
Meanwhile, Turkey’s President says Putin may be seeking an end to the war, and that a “significant step” will be made in the coming days.
The Turkish leader says things are “quite problematic” for Russia at the moment, and he has gained the impression Moscow wants a speedy end to the war.
Ukraine vote
It comes as four areas of Ukraine under Moscow’s control have announced plans for urgent so-called referendums on joining Russia.
Russia’s invasion has stalled in recent months and Ukraine has recaptured swathes of territory once claimed by Moscow.
Now Russian-backed officials in the east and south say they want votes on joining Russia starting this week.
Western leaders have slammed plans for what they are calling “sham votes” in four areas of Ukraine held under Moscow’s rule.
The regions have announced their intentions to hold a referendum to vote on whether or not they should join Russia, paving the way for annexation.
As we’ve been reporting, Russia’s invasion has stalled in recent weeks, and Ukraine has recaptured a number of key areas.
But now Russian-backed officials in the east and south say they want votes on joining the nation starting this week.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister says the “sham ‘referendums will not change anything”.
Annexing further Ukrainian territory will enable the Kremlin to claim Russia itself was being attacked by NATO weapons.
The White House warns Putin may be preparing to announce mobilisation measures.
