Police officers detain a woman in Moscow on 21 September 2022, following calls to protest against partial mobilisation announced by President Vladimir Putin. Photo: AFP
The political temperature in Russia is rising after President Putin's mobilisation decree. Last week, he announced 300,000 reservists would be called up to boost Russia's war in Ukraine. Media reports say people with no military experience - or who are too old or disabled - are being called up. There is growing public opposition to the draft with thousands of Russian men leaving the country to avoid being sent to war, and sporadic protests particularly in Moscow and St Petersburg. Meanwhile the United States has warned Russia of "catastrophic consequences" if nuclear weapons are used. Andrew Roth is the Guardian's Moscow correspondent - he's been in Russia's capital for a decade, previously reporting for The Washington Post. He says this is "the most dangerous moment in Putin's 22 years in power".
