On Wednesday (September 21), Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a potentially catastrophic escalation when he called upon the partial mobilization of hundreds of thousands of additional Russian troops and hinted at the possible use of nuclear weapons.

"I want to remind you that our country also has various means of destruction ... And when the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, to protect Russia and our people, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal," Putin said in an address to the nation. "It's not a bluff."

Putin's war mobilization has drawn condemnation internally and internationally.

Footage shows protesters in Yekaterinburg, Russia being arrested indiscriminately and hauled into a paddywagon for speaking out against the regime's escalation.

US President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the announcement.

"Let us speak plainly: A permanent member of the U.N. Security Council invaded its neighbor, attempted to erase a sovereign state from the map," Biden said. "Russia has shamelessly violated the core tenants of the United Nations charter, no more important than the clear prohibition against countries taking the territory of their neighbor by force."

21 September 2022, Ekaterinburg, Russia

Police indiscriminately detain protesters against mobilization in Yekaterinburg on Labor Square.

Credit to: @JoeOyster

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