Russia’s military mobilisation is off to a rocky start as voting begins in Ukraine

Russia’s military mobilisation is off to a rocky start, with thousands of men continuing to flee the country.

The nation’s President Vladimir Putin has moved to bolster his military forces abroad, while cracking down on dissent within his own borders.

On Sunday, Russia’s two most senior lawmakers addressed a string of complaints about the mobilisation drive. They ordered regional officials to get a handle on the situation and swiftly solve the issues currently stoking public anger.

In recent days we’ve heard reports of ineligible men being forced into the military, and even recruiters looking for people who simply don’t exist.

Activists are raising concerns about ethnic minorities, who are allegedly being unfairly drafted into Russian military service.

This is Russia’s first draft since World War II and the nation hopes to recruit 300,000 new men for the front line.

Nuclear warning

It comes as U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warns Russia against the use of nuclear weapons.

Speaking to NBC’s Meet The Press, Sullivan said “if Russia crosses this line, there will be catastrophic consequences for Russia. The United States will respond decisively. Now in private channels, we have spelled out in greater detail exactly what that would mean”.

Meanwhile, voting continues this weekend in what’s being called a sham referendum. This would see four eastern regions of Ukraine move closer to Moscow.

Ukrainians have reported armed soldiers going door-to-door in occupied parts of the country to collect votes. Many residents are fearful further persecution could follow if residents don’t show allegiance to Russia.

That voting is set to wrap up on Tuesday – but its accuracy is already being called into question.

When asked about this, Sullivan made reference to the recent statement released by G7 leaders and flagged further announcements in the coming days.

“They reiterated that there would be consequences and specified that that would include additional enhanced sanctions, including sanctions on entities and companies outside of Russia that are supporting the Russian war machine or supporting these fake referenda or Russia’s efforts,” Sullivan said.

Truss slams Putin

It comes as UK Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a scathing review of Vladimir Putin’s attempt to take control of Ukraine.

Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Truss says Putin’s military escalation is a clear indication that the Russian leader is clutching at straws.

It’s the PM’s first U.S. interview since taking office. The British leader stepped into the role at a crucial time both domestically and internationally.

Truss also met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday. She told CNN Washington remains “an incredibly close partner”.

“I do think our relationship is special and it’s increasingly important at a time when we’re facing threats from Russia, increased assertiveness from China. You know, we are both freedom-loving democracies. We have such a strong connection,” Truss said.

When it comes to Putin’s aggression, Truss says the West must be relentless in its use of sanctions to hold the Russian leader and his nation to account.

“I think he has been outsmarted by the Ukrainians. We’ve seen the Ukrainians continue to push back against the Russian offensive. And I think he didn’t anticipate the strength of reaction from the free world.”