As Russian forces battle a Ukrainian counter-offensive that has reclaimed significant territory, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a partial military mobilisation that would see 300,000 reserves called up.
Putin reaffirmed his aim to "liberate" eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, and also escalated the threat of nuclear retaliation against the West.
University of Otago professor of international relations Robert Patman spoke to Guyon Espiner.
