Putin has been called a ‘master procrastinator’ but experts say he wanted to avoid mobilizing troops ‘at all costs’ due to how unpopular it would be in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Novgorod Region Governor Andrei Nikitin during his visit to celebrate the 1160th anniversary of Russian statehood in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo/Associated Press Putin announced Wednesday he was calling in reserves, prompting protests in Russia. Experts said Putin wanted to avoid […]