Putin's general declares 'WW3 has begun' and demands one million fresh troops
Major General Apti Alaudinov, a key figure within Russia's military hierarchy, has called on the Kremlin for a massive mobilisation, suggesting the recruitment of up to a million new soldiers in light of the recent conflict escalation, which he believes has "already taken on a new turn and a new momentum".
At 51, Alaudinov holds the position of deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces' main military-political directorate, responsible for indoctrination and propaganda, and also commands the Akhmat special forces from his homeland of Chechnya.
"We need to declare mobilisation," he declared on Telegram. "We need to prepare at least half a million people in advance. But realistically one million people."
He further stated: "We need to call them up and start preparing them for the fact that the war has already begun, which we already know is happening - World War III. But it has already taken on a new turn and a new momentum," reports the Mirror.
"And so that no one dares to play with us the way they played with all the other countries, and now with Iran. Believe me, we all need to unite, unite, unite at all levels."
Alaudinov has been deeply involved in Russia's campaign to reclaim territory held by Ukraine in the Kursk region and is tipped as a likely successor to the ailing pro-Putin Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Earlier today, Alaudinov shared a post from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei calling for "severe retribution" against Israel.
He signalled his readiness to voice his opinion directly to Putin with a call for mass mobilisation, suggesting a large-scale draft is necessary to break the deadlock in the conflict with Ukraine.
Alaudinov's remarks followed Israel's bombardment of at least six military bases around Tehran, including Parchin, homes in two secure complexes for military chiefs, and various residential buildings in Tehran. Iranian authorities have labelled the attacks as targeted killings.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed that Israel will encounter "severe punishment" for its assault on the nation. Khamenei's declaration was broadcast by the state-controlled IRNA news agency, confirming the deaths of top military figures and scientists in the strikes.
Israel "opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei stated.
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