Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech on Ukraine, in which he announced a partial military mobilisation, China on Wednesday called for a "ceasefire through dialogue and consultation."

"We call on the relevant parties to realise a ceasefire through dialogue and consultation, and find a solution that accommodates the legitimate security concerns of all parties as soon as possible," China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular press briefing.

A day after the regions in eastern and southern Ukraine declared preparations to hold elections on joining Russia, Putin delivered his address to the nation. 

The referenda, which have been anticipated since the beginning of the war, will begin on Friday in the areas of Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Donetsk, which are partially under Russian control.

Putin said he has signed a decree on the partial mobilization, which is due to start on Wednesday.

“We are talking about partial mobilization, that is, only citizens who are currently in the reserve will be subject to conscription, and above all, those who served in the armed forces have a certain military specialty and relevant experience,” Putin stressed.

What does that mean?

Putin reiterated prior assertions that Western countries were to blame for initiating a proxy war with Russia in his television address, saying the West "wants to destroy our country" and is attempting to "convert Ukraine's people into military fodder."

He said “mobilization events” would begin Wednesday without providing further details, aside from saying that he had ordered an increase in funding to boost Russia’s weapons production.

Partial mobilization puts Russia on a stronger war footing. However, partial mobilization may require Russian companies and citizens to contribute more to the war effort.

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