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...