Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered on his announcement and called up the first reservists for the war in Ukraine. A first video is already circulating on the internet (see above), in which fathers say goodbye to their wives and children in tears. Meanwhile, the people’s anger against Putin and his partial mobilization in Russia is growing.
The video is from the Sakha region of northeastern Russia. It shows reservists saying goodbye to their relatives. Buses for the onward journey to the Ukrainian combat zone are already waiting. Many have tears in their eyes.
300,000 reservists with combat experience are called up
Putin ordered the partial mobilization of the armed forces on Wednesday. 300,000 reservists between the ages of 27 and 60 with combat experience and special military training are to be called up. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said there are 25 million reservists in Russia. The main aim of the partial mobilization is to solve the personnel problems at the front in Ukraine.
Russian reservists unable to fight for months?
However, Britain has doubts about Russia’s ability to carry out the ordered partial mobilization. “Russia is likely to face logistical and administrative challenges just to muster the 300,000 soldiers,” the Defense Ministry said in London. The Russian military leadership will probably try to set up new units with the troops stationed there. However, these were “probably unable to fight for months,” it said.
Chamber chairman: ‘No protection for MPs’
Meanwhile, the Russian head of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, also called on the Duma deputies to join the war. “Anyone who meets the requirements of partial mobilization must help by participating in the special military operation,” the Duma chief said on his news channel Telegram on Thursday. And added: “There is no protection for MPs.”
Escape from Russia and protests
Immediately after Putin’s decree, young men tried en masse to leave the country and protests broke out in dozens of cities on Wednesday evening, with nearly 1,400 people arrested. Photos and videos show how they are towed in buses and taken away.
According to reports from civil rights activists, the detainees receive their draft papers while they are still at the police station.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
