“The statements made by Russia have not affected the agency’s commitment to continue working closely with our international partners and allies in support of Ukraine, which needs help in the fight to defend Ukraine,” Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder said during a press conference. “.

This came in response to a request to comment on recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who indicated that “Russia is ready to use all available means to protect its territorial integrity and people.”

Earlier, Putin announced the “partial mobilization of Russians of fighting age,” which creates the preconditions for a significant escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, believing that “it is necessary to support the proposal of the Ministry of Defense on the partial mobilization of citizens into the reserve who have already served and have experience.”

The Russia Today channel reported that “the Ministry of Defense has recommended that reservists be called up for active military service, as there is a protracted confrontation with Ukraine.”