The Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, with both sides exchanging heavy long-range strikes far beyond the front lines.

Ukrainian drone attacks in Russia’s southern regions reportedly killed two people, including an eight-year-old child, while debris damaged buildings in the port city of Novorossiysk. Russian authorities said their air defenses shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and the Black Sea.

Ukraine, meanwhile, reported that Russian drone and missile strikes killed civilians in Kherson. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched a large wave of missiles and drones targeting areas including the Odesa region and northeastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also warned that Russia could be preparing for a new mobilisation following its September parliamentary elections. Ukrainian authorities say intelligence points to preparations for a potential large-scale recruitment drive, although Russian officials have not confirmed such a plan.

Ukraine Strikes Russia With Hundreds of Drones as Moscow Launches Major Air Assault

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov claimed that Russia is planning a new mobilisation order amid the ongoing Ukraine war. The minister also said that Moscow could close its borders to men within a week. If it happens, it will be the second official mobilisation after Russia started the invasion of its neighbouring nation on February 24 in 2022. After almost seven months into the war, Russia had in September declared a partial mobilisation of military reservists. In a video address on Friday, Reznikov warned Russians who might qualify for mobilisation. "I know for a fact that you have about one week left before you still have any choice," he said. "In early January, the Russian authorities will close the borders to men, declare martial law, and begin another wave of mobilisation. Borders will also be closed in Belarus," he added. Reznikov especially mentioned that the mobilisation would target people, particularly in big cities. Kryrylo Budanov, who is the head of Ukraine's intelligence directorate told the BBC on Friday that Russia’s new mobilisation order would start on 5 January. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here × The first mobilisation led to anger among people as discontent grew in Russia over the conscription call. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered that more than 300,000 men will be conscripted into the Russian army. However, in a public acknowledgement, Putin said that the "partial mobilisation" maybe had not gone as smoothly as it was claimed. He also called for the mistakes to be "corrected". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine claims Russia is planning another wave of mobilisation and will close borders for men: Report

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Despite repeatedly denying needing more recruits for its war in Ukraine, Russia as per reports has begun a propaganda campaign to try and enlist volunteers. For this, the country is using narratives like patriotism, morality and money.

As per a CNN report, the said videos have been posted on social media networks in the past few days.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia War: Ukraine works to restore power after Russian missiles batter grid

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One video reportedly posted on December 14 shows a young man opting to fight instead of partying with his peers. In the next segment of the video, he can be seen buying himself a car he made from the fighting while on a military contract to fight in Ukraine.

Another video shows a soldier being hounded by his ex-girlfriend to get back together. Purportedly the said woman is impressed by his "courage".

Yet another shows a factory worker leaving a low-paying job to sign up for a comparatively lucrative military contract.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-russians-trying-to-escape-putins-ukraine-war-call-up-to-avoid-conscription-518766">Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call</a>

The theme of masculinity or being "man" is common. One video reportedly shows a group of 30-somethings loading a car. Upon questioning by a woman they disclose that they're leaving for Georgia "forever". One of the women near this scene suddenly spills her bag but these men instead of helping her drive away. Then a bunch of younger men rush to help her, which prompts one of the elderly women to announce:&nbsp;"The boys have left, the men stayed".

Another common theme is fighting to escape the bleak reality of a monotonous life filled with poverty, vodka and helplessness.

This comes as the Kremlin and the Russian President Vladimir Putin resolutely deny the need for more recruits in the army.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-works-to-restore-power-as-vladimir-putin-meets-russian-military-officials-544001">Ukraine works to restore power as Vladimir Putin meets Russian military officials</a>

However, a Euromaidan Press report from last week claims that to "replenish" its dwindling ranks, Russia is now making it easier for its citizens with dual citizens and even foreign volunteers to enlist.

The head of Moscow-based Centre for Military Forecasting, Anatoly Tsyganok has predicted that soon "residents of Syria, Afghanistan, North Korea or Iran" could serve in the Russian military.

Previously, in September, Putin had announced a partial military mobilisation of Russian citizens. However, following urging from regional deputies, at the end of October, the president himself declared that the mobilisation had been completed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Despite repeatedly denying needing more recruits for its war in Ukraine, Russia as per reports has begun a propaganda campaign to try and enlist volunteers. For this, the country is using narratives like patriotism, morality and money. As per a CNN report, the said videos have been posted on social media networks in the past few days. Watch | Ukraine-Russia War: Ukraine works to restore power after Russian missiles batter grid One video reportedly posted on December 14 shows a young man opting to fight instead of partying with his peers. In the next segment of the video, he can be seen buying himself a car he made from the fighting while on a military contract to fight in Ukraine. Another video shows a soldier being hounded by his ex-girlfriend to get back together. Purportedly the said woman is impressed by his "courage". Yet another shows a factory worker leaving a low-paying job to sign up for a comparatively lucrative military contract. Also read | Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call The theme of masculinity or being "man" is common. One video reportedly shows a group of 30-somethings loading a car. Upon questioning by a woman they disclose that they're leaving for Georgia "forever". One of the women near this scene suddenly spills her bag but these men instead of helping her drive away. Then a bunch of younger men rush to help her, which prompts one of the elderly women to announce: "The boys have left, the men stayed". Another common theme is fighting to escape the bleak reality of a monotonous life filled with poverty, vodka and helplessness. This comes as the Kremlin and the Russian President Vladimir Putin resolutely deny the need for more recruits in the army. Also read | Ukraine works to restore power as Vladimir Putin meets Russian military officials However, a Euromaidan Press report from last week claims that to "replenish" its dwindling ranks, Russia is now making it easier for its citizens with dual citizens and even foreign volunteers to enlist. The head of Moscow-based Centre for Military Forecasting, Anatoly Tsyganok has predicted that soon "residents of Syria, Afghanistan, North Korea or Iran" could serve in the Russian military. Previously, in September, Putin had announced a partial military mobilisation of Russian citizens. However, following urging from regional deputies, at the end of October, the president himself declared that the mobilisation had been completed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian propaganda videos promise money, respect and ‘manly’ life to lure recruits in army

Russian President Vladimir Putin's "partial mobilisation" order has led to an unprecedented exodus of people from the country. In a bid to escape conscription, people are attempting to flee, trying to cross the borders by road or fly out after purchasing exorbitantly-priced plane tickets.&nbsp;

Now, reports suggest that Russia has decided to exempt some bankers, IT workers and journalists from being drafted into the army. The defence ministry on Friday announced that some employees working in critically important industries would be excluded from the draft. The move aims to ensure that the work of specific high-tech industries, as well as Russia’s financial system is not hampered.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-full-day-of-mobilisation-in-russia-marked-by-tears-and-protests-reports-suggest-100-conscription-518945">First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests</a>

The exceptions apply to some IT workers, telecommunications workers, finance professionals, as well as some employees at “systemically-important” mass media outlets. Companies that meet certain thresholds in terms of headcount, revenue or annual tax payments are categorised as “systemically-important”.

State-run TV channels, radio stations, news agencies, newspapers, and some of Russia’s few privately-held media outlets are part of the list. The ministry has asked heads of companies to draw up lists of their employees who meet the criteria and can be excluded from the draft.

Russia has announced that 300,000 reservists will be called up to fight in Ukraine. Protests broke out following the announcement, with several of them being served draft papers immediately. Video footage shows long lines of traffic at land border crossings into several countries.

Traffic into Finland over its border with Russia was heavy on Friday. But the Finnish government, wary of becoming a major transit nation, plans to stop all Russians from entering on tourist visas within the coming days, foreign minister Pekka Haavisto told a news conference in New York.

About 7,000 people entered from Russia on Thursday, some 6,000 of them Russian, according to the border guards. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's "partial mobilisation" order has led to an unprecedented exodus of people from the country. In a bid to escape conscription, people are attempting to flee, trying to cross the borders by road or fly out after purchasing exorbitantly-priced plane tickets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's "partial mobilisation" order has led to an unprecedented exodus of people from the country. In a bid to escape conscription, people are attempting to flee, trying to cross the borders by road or fly out after purchasing exorbitantly-priced plane tickets. Now, reports suggest that Russia has decided to exempt some bankers, IT workers and journalists from being drafted into the army. The defence ministry on Friday announced that some employees working in critically important industries would be excluded from the draft. The move aims to ensure that the work of specific high-tech industries, as well as Russia’s financial system is not hampered. Also Read | First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests The exceptions apply to some IT workers, telecommunications workers, finance professionals, as well as some employees at “systemically-important” mass media outlets. Companies that meet certain thresholds in terms of headcount, revenue or annual tax payments are categorised as “systemically-important”. State-run TV channels, radio stations, news agencies, newspapers, and some of Russia’s few privately-held media outlets are part of the list. The ministry has asked heads of companies to draw up lists of their employees who meet the criteria and can be excluded from the draft. Russia has announced that 300,000 reservists will be called up to fight in Ukraine. Protests broke out following the announcement, with several of them being served draft papers immediately. Video footage shows long lines of traffic at land border crossings into several countries. Traffic into Finland over its border with Russia was heavy on Friday. But the Finnish government, wary of becoming a major transit nation, plans to stop all Russians from entering on tourist visas within the coming days, foreign minister Pekka Haavisto told a news conference in New York. About 7,000 people entered from Russia on Thursday, some 6,000 of them Russian, according to the border guards. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia announces exemptions for certain professionals from mobilisation call

Protests and emotional outbursts marked the first full day of Russia’s first mobilisation since World War II. Even though President Putin talked of a partial mobilisation, there are indications that Russia could be considering far more than the 300,000 new conscripts.&nbsp;

“It’s not a partial mobilisation, it’s a 100 per cent mobilisation,” said Alexandra Garmazhapova, president of the Free Buryatia Foundation, an activist group. The group has reported on the draft in the region.

The group received and identified more than 3,000 reports of povestka, or draft papers, being delivered in Buryatia within 24 hours of Putin announcing the mobilisation. Women cried and hugged as they sent their husbands and sons off to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.&nbsp;People could be seen protesting at the draft centres with officials telling them that&nbsp;“You’re fighting for your children’s future".

“We don’t have a present, what kind of future are you talking about?,” a man in the crowd responded.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-russians-trying-to-escape-putins-ukraine-war-call-up-to-avoid-conscription-518766">Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call</a>

Even though Russia assured that only men who had recently served in the army and had combat experience will be drafted, activists pointed to a number of cases of men in their 50s receiving draft notices. One woman told Guardian that her 52-year-old relative has&nbsp;been delivered a povestka just before the draft was announced the previous day.

Defence minister Sergei Shoigu said in a televised address that Russia would be targeting 300,000 draftees, mainly those with recent military experience. However, some people think the order signed by Putin is likely to have a much higher number. An independent Russian newspaper puts the number at one million.

Video and anecdotal evidence has shown large drafts taking place even in small towns. Most of these towns are in Russia’s ethnic minority republics that have also suffered a disproportionate number of deaths and casualties from the war.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has apparently confirmed that police were handing down draft notices to detainees. “It does not violate the law,” he said.

People have been protesting against the mobilisation call and several of those detained following the protests were immediately given the draft notice, reports say.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Protests and emotional outbursts marked the first full day of Russia’s first mobilisation since World War II. Even though President Putin talked of a partial mobilisation, there are indications that Russia could be considering far more than the 300,000 new conscripts.

Protests and emotional outbursts marked the first full day of Russia’s first mobilisation since World War II. Even though President Putin talked of a partial mobilisation, there are indications that Russia could be considering far more than the 300,000 new conscripts. “It’s not a partial mobilisation, it’s a 100 per cent mobilisation,” said Alexandra Garmazhapova, president of the Free Buryatia Foundation, an activist group. The group has reported on the draft in the region. The group received and identified more than 3,000 reports of povestka, or draft papers, being delivered in Buryatia within 24 hours of Putin announcing the mobilisation. Women cried and hugged as they sent their husbands and sons off to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine. People could be seen protesting at the draft centres with officials telling them that “You’re fighting for your children’s future". “We don’t have a present, what kind of future are you talking about?,” a man in the crowd responded. Also Read | Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call Even though Russia assured that only men who had recently served in the army and had combat experience will be drafted, activists pointed to a number of cases of men in their 50s receiving draft notices. One woman told Guardian that her 52-year-old relative has been delivered a povestka just before the draft was announced the previous day. Defence minister Sergei Shoigu said in a televised address that Russia would be targeting 300,000 draftees, mainly those with recent military experience. However, some people think the order signed by Putin is likely to have a much higher number. An independent Russian newspaper puts the number at one million. Video and anecdotal evidence has shown large drafts taking place even in small towns. Most of these towns are in Russia’s ethnic minority republics that have also suffered a disproportionate number of deaths and casualties from the war. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has apparently confirmed that police were handing down draft notices to detainees. “It does not violate the law,” he said. People have been protesting against the mobilisation call and several of those detained following the protests were immediately given the draft notice, reports say. (With inputs from agencies)

First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests, reports suggest 100% conscription