Putin: Russia will not use conscript soldiers in Ukraine

MOSCOW, March 08 (YPA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that  he will not use conscript soldiers in the special military operation in Ukraine.

The Russian President added that the operation in Ukraine would be carried out only by professional military personnel.

Putin spoke to relatives of soldiers who are now taking part in a special military operation to protect Donbass province as part of his International Women’s Day address, which falls on March 8 each year.

“I would like to address mothers, wives, sisters, brides, friends of our soldiers and officers who are now defending Russia during the special military operation,” Putin said. I understand how they worry about their close loved ones. Be proud of them as the whole country is and worry about them.”

“I would like to emphasize that soldiers in compulsory service do not and will not participate in hostilities. There will be no additional call-up for reserve forces”

Since February 24, the Russian armed forces have been carrying out a special military operation to protect the province of Donbass, south-eastern Ukraine.

E.M