MOSCOW, March 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said conscripts and reservists aren’t taking part in Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and won’t do so.

"I would like to emphasize that conscripts aren’t and won’t be taking part in hostilities, and there will be no additional call-up of reservists from the reserve," he said in a video address to women on the occasion of the International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8, which was posted on the Kremlin website. "Missions are carried out only by professional troops."

The president expressed confidence that "they will be steadfast in providing security and peace for the people of Russia."

Putin addressed mothers, wives, sisters, brides and girlfriends of Russian soldiers and officers "who are now in battle defending Russia during a special military operation."

"I understand how you are worrying about your loved ones and family members," he said. "You can be proud of them just as the whole country is proud of them and is worrying about them together with you."

The situation on the contact line in Donbass escalated on February 17. The Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics reported some of the most intensive shelling by Ukraine’s armed forces in recent months. Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 21 recognized independence of the DPR and LPR. On February 24 Putin announced a special military operation in Ukraine in response to appeals by the Donbass republics.