Ukraine news LIVE — Putin to order ‘second conscription’ as Russia’s frontline losses mount after embarrassing retreat

VLADIMIR Putin looks set to order a “second wave of mobilisation” after Russian forces have faced heavy losses on the battlefield in Ukraine. According to an advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin plans to draft “500,000-700,000” Russians in to the army. Anton Gerashchenko said: “Russia is getting ready for 2nd wave of mobilisation in January. The plan is to draft 500,000-700,000. The 300,000 drafted before – already killed/wounded/demoralised.” It comes as Sergei Surovikin, dubbed “General Armageddon” by the Russian media due to his ruthlessness, is under increasing pressure to justify his retreat from Kherson last week. Surovikin called for the retreat, arguing it would allow the Kremlin to save valuable equipment and manpower. However, Russian losses continue to mount with them today passing 85,000, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest updates…