Russians took to the streets on Wednesday to protest President Putin's announcement that the country's military reserves would be partially deployed.
In a rare televised speech on Wednesday, Putin said that the 300,000 reserve soldiers that will be drafted will start immediately, in a move that will likely escalate Moscow's war in Ukraine. The leader of Russia threatened to use nuclear weapons and accused the West of provocation.
Videos from the various scenes show people chanting "no to war" and other anti-Putin slogans. At least 525 people were arrested in various cities as of late night in Moscow.
Some footage shows police officers detaining people while others watch and chant. Arrests were made within 15 minutes of the start of the protest.
People who join anti-war protests could face up to 15 years in prison, according to CNN. Russia has passed laws that make it a crime to criticize the war.
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There was a protest in Moscow on Wednesday.
Immediately after Putin ordered his invasion of Ukraine, similar protests took place. Scores of Russian citizens were arrested after the televised address.
President Joe Biden slammed Putin for escalating Russia's war in Ukraine during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The announcement comes a day after Moscow-backed authorities in southern and eastern Ukraine said they would hold referendums to join Russia.
In the face of weeks of punishing Ukrainian counteroffensives, which have liberated swaths of territory previously occupied by Russian troops, senior US defense officials and British intelligence have warned Russia that it faces a personnel shortage.
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