Putin threatens nuclear retaliation in escalation of Ukraine war | First Thing

Russian president announces partial mobilisation and makes threats on west, saying we will use all the means at our disposal'. Plus, the Hollywood sign gets a facelift

Good morning.

Vladimir Putin has announced a partial mobilisation in Russia in a significant escalation that places the country's people and economy on a wartime footing.

What has happened since? Shortly after Putin's announcement, the country's defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, said 300,000 Russians would be called up as part of the mobilisation, which would apply to those with previous military experience".

What has sparked this? The Russian leader's televised address to the country came a day after Russian-controlled regions in Ukraine announced plans to hold votes on becoming part of Russia. This could set the stage for Moscow to escalate the war after Ukrainian successes.

What does Carroll say happened? Carroll has accused Trump of raping her in the dressing room of the Manhattan department store Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s. She sued him in 2019 while he was serving his presidency, saying he slandered her by denying the allegation.

What has Trump said about it? The former president said she was totally lying" and was not my type", among other remarks.