Vladimir Putin has warned the West that he is “not bluffing” Russia will use nuclear weapons if any of their territory comes under threat, which includes the Donbas which has seen fierce fighting in recent weeks.

In a national address to Russia he confirmed that everyone who has previous military experience will be called up to fight in Ukraine, this will be around 300,000 further reserve troops which will be sent to the frontline.

In an address to the nation, Putin gave a chilling warning, “If there is a threat to the territorial integrity of our country, and in protecting our people we will certainly use all means to us – and I’m not bluffing.

“Those trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the tables can turn on them.”

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Putin said that his aim is to “liberate” the Donbas region which is largely back under Ukrainian control, and he will not allow the region to be ruled by Kyiv.

Putin said the mobilisation will begin on Wednesday, the Russian President said, “I stress it is partial mobilisation. Only those who are in reserve will be conscripted.

“I shall stress that Russian citizens called up as part of mobilisation will be given all the benefits of those serving under contract.”

He continued, “Citizens of Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia and other areas free from the Nazi regime.

“We will be talking about the steps of protecting our sovereignty, support of the will and desire of our citizens to decide their will themselves.”

The West have been accused of attempting to “block” independence in Ukraine by supplying vast amounts of high end weaponry.

He said, “In order to force their will in brutal ways to other people. The aim of the West is still weaken and destroy, they are openly saying that.”

Putin added that his main aim of “freeing” those who life in the Donbas “remains without” any change.

The Foreign Office Minister Gillian Keegan admitted that the West is “not in control” and they are concerned which is a “worrying escalation” which must be “taken very seriously.

Keegan told Sky News, “Clearly it’s something that we should take very seriously because, you know, we’re not in control – I’m not sure he’s in control either, really.

“This is obviously an escalation.”

Keegan added, “It’s an illegal war in Ukraine. It’s Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Of course, we will still stand by Ukraine, as will all of our NATO allies.”

She added, “The people of Ukraine, you know, it’s the same message. We’re there, we’re by your side, we will help us as much as we possibly can.”