Shortly after Putin’s announcement, partial mobilization in Russia is already well underway on Friday. Videos show men saying goodbye to their families and getting on buses that will take them to Ukraine. The first neo-soldiers are drunk and fighting each other.
“Morale is through the roof,” Belarusian journalist Tadeusz Giczan wrote of the video, which he posted on Twitter. It shows neo-soldiers in Yuzhno-Kurilsk fighting each other under the influence of alcohol. Authorities recently banned the sale of alcohol during the mobilization period in some eastern regions of Russia, but that doesn’t help much. In particular, the space within 300 meters of military recruiting offices is affected.
say goodbye
The partial mobilization is in full swing on Friday. Both young and old say goodbye to their families. Many do not know what to expect. Others fear never to see their family or friends again. But some also look forward to fighting for their homeland. A total of 300,000 reservists will serve in Putin’s army, an increase after losses in the war against Ukraine.
According to the military, in the first 24 hours, 10,000 people volunteered for the war effort, which is still referred to in Russia as a “military special operation” (meaning martial law does not apply). The military has set up a call center to answer questions about mobilization. In certain regions, such as the capital Moscow, reservists should receive monthly special payments in addition to their wages. Additional compensation is planned for injuries and the family should receive money after the death of a soldier.
Blessing for combat use
In order for the operation to survive as best as possible, Orthodox priests are currently blessing the neo-soldiers. “It seems they are less afraid of dying in Ukraine than fighting their special police forces and defying their regime,” Anton Gerashcenko tweeted. He is an adviser to the Ukrainian ministry.
protests and departure
It was a “sad scene. Why don’t they refuse to go to war against Ukraine?” Swedish economist Anders wrote. Ohcunning. But to say there is absolutely no protest would be wrong. Immediately after Putin’s announced partial mobilization, protests broke out on Wednesday evening, with more than 1,300 people arrested. Among them were minors and journalists. Criminal proceedings will be instituted against some and some will be sent straight off the streets to go to war.
Those who serve in the Russian army and risk their lives are given Russian citizenship, housing and a relatively large amount of money. This especially attracts poor and disadvantaged people. Those who can afford it, on the other hand, often try to travel to neighboring countries. As reported, long lines of people have formed at the border crossings with Finland. The ex-Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Armenia and Georgia also registered increased migration flows on Friday.
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.
