Russian-backed separatist leader says military mobilisation is accelerating

Head of the separatist self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic Denis Pushilin gestures during a news conference in Donetsk, Ukraine February 11, 2022. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko

DONETSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - A Russian-backed leader in the breakaway Donetsk region of Ukraine said on Wednesday that a military mobilisation was gathering pace to counter Ukrainian "aggression".

Denis Pushilin, leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic that was recognised by Russia this week, said the situation had become critical but the separatists would win with support from "big Russia".