Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said that Russia is not sending, and will not send, conscripts or reservists to fight in Ukraine. “I emphasize that conscript soldiers are not participating in hostilities and will not participate in them. And there will be no additional call-up of reservists,” Putin said during a televised event for International Women’s Day. Putin also said that the invasion of Ukraine is being carried out “by professional servicemen,” according to state-run media. “I am convinced they will reliably ensure security and peace for the people of Russia,” he added. Since the start of the Feb. 24 conflict, there has been speculation that Russia is using conscripted soldiers, namely after Russia’s Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers claimed that some men were forced or pressured to sign contracts to become soldiers. “Mothers are telling us that their sons have been calling them and saying they’re being forced to sign …