Putin announces partial mobilisation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on partial mobilisation. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said about 300,000 reservists with combat experience and military specialities would be called up.

It is Russia's first mobilisation since the Second World War. In his address Putin also backed holding "referendums" on annexing occupied territories of Ukraine.

After the announcement prices for flights from Russia to visa-free countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and Kazakhstan, soared. Queues several kilometres long formed at the border with Georgia.

In Yerevan there are reports of a significant increase in arrivals from Russia. Housing in the city centre is becoming more expensive.