Russians are rapidly fleeing the country and over 1000 have been arrested in anti-war protests following President Vladimir Putin’s partial military mobilisation address to the nation.

Putin’s enlistment of 300,000 army reservists and nuclear weapon deployment threat has been met with heavy criticism from the international community, including Russia’s allies China and India.

But some experts are doubting the gravity of the threat, saying Putin’s statements come from a place of ‘panic’ and desperation in his latest attempt at control. 

Foreign affairs and national security correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Matthew Knot joins audio producer Julia Carr-Catzel to explain.