DPR plans general mobilization
MOSCOW. Feb 2 (Interfax) - The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) will declare general mobilization, Alexander Zakharchenko, the head of the republic, said.
"Mobilization will begin in 11 days. We plan to mobilize 100,000 people," the Donetsk News Agency has reported, citing Zakharchenko.
Men called up for military service will undergo military training for a month, Zakharchenko said.
"As for mobilization, the possibility of conscription exists. The units will undergo combat training before spring, and there are plans to create three motorized infantry brigades for a counter-offensive," Zakharchenko said.
The Ukrainian authorities will check the information on the declaration of mobilization in the Donbas territory uncontrolled by Kyiv, but the headquarters for the military operation in eastern Ukraine already said it regards it as admission of defeat in the fighting near Debaltseve.
"There is information that the main militant, Zakharchenko has declared general military mobilization, which he plans to carry out within ten days. We will verify this information, but that shows that they are running out of personnel and they have failed to take Debaltseve, which is a strategic railroad junction," Andriy Lysenko, an official representative of the military operation headquarters, told a briefing on Monday.