Backlash grows in Russia following Putin's order for partial military mobilization

Thousands of anti-war Russian protesters took to the streets on Wednesday as hundreds of others packed their bags and fled following President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a partial military mobilization.

The move marks the biggest escalation since the invasion began seven months ago and was made following a series of humiliating setbacks as well as calls from pro-war nationalists who demanded that more resources be devoted to defeating Ukraine. The partial draft would force about 300,000 Russians into military service.

By early afternoon, more than 1,300 anti-war protesters had been detained in more than a dozen cities across the country as the backlash against the increasingly isolated president and his new plan grew.

In St. Petersburg, police were photographed using batons against protesters who chanted "no mobilization," according to OVD-Info, an independent watchdog that monitors police activity in Russia.

In central Moscow, hundreds gathered on the Old Arbat, one of the oldest streets in the city, where they chanted, "Send Putin to the trenches!" Footage appeared on social media showing law enforcement officers outfitted in black riot gear dragging people away. The city prosecutor's office released an ominous statement threatening up to 15 years in prison for anti-war protesters, though the warning seemed to do little to deter those gathered.