contents
With the partial mobilization, Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking risks on all fronts. As for the social fabric, its support and last but not least the economy. But there are still thousands of men who follow his call to the front.
“There is such a job: defending your homeland.” This quote from the Soviet film “Officers” has been heard a lot in recent days. Namely for those Russian men who obey the command of the army command and report to the so-called War Commissariat.
Often they are reservists. They could soon be sent to the Ukrainian front, where until now mainly professional soldiers, but also recruits and volunteers, have fought.
Order received in the office
Those who go to the front so resigned to fate mostly believe the narrative of the Kremlin and the state propagandists. Namely that Russia in Ukraine is supposedly liberating the Russian-speaking population and that they are primarily fighting against NATO and the united West. In short: defend Russia in Ukraine.
Legend:
Russian recruits board a bus near Krasnodar.
Keystone/AP
Among them is probably 40-year-old Andrej from the small town of Naro-Fominsk on the Moscow-Kyiv railway line. He has two children and is an assistant store manager in a modern shopping center. Apparently a normal, beautiful life. Until last week, two men on behalf of the army suddenly brought a contingent to the office. He should meet with the military authorities.
Legend:
From normal life to war: Russian Andrej, father of two children, will have to fight in Ukraine in the future.
SRF
First of all, the personal details are checked there, and the health, work or family situation is clarified. In Andrei’s case, the decision will then be made: In two days, at 9 o’clock in the morning, you will move in with the Kantemirovsky Armored Division.
Legend:
Andrei’s wife also seems brave: he’s just a man, and such a man has to defend the country if the state demands it. But her sad look seems to say otherwise.
SRF
Andrej seems at least left out. “If it has to be, it has to be,” he replies when asked about the prospects that he could soon find himself on the Ukrainian front.
Escape from recruitment
But tens of thousands of young Russian men want to forestall the receipt of the conscription forms – and almost in panic flee. If you have enough money and luck, you can buy one of the rare flight tickets. Others drive to Georgia or cross the border to Kazakhstan on foot.
Legend:
Just don’t get drafted: Russian men at the border near Verkhnii Lars, Georgia.
Keystone/EPA/Zurab Kurtsikidze
Rumor has it that President Putin could declare martial law in the next few days. Then the limits are closed for most men.
Serious consequences for the economy
The mobilization will have unpredictable consequences for Russia. Millions of Russians who until now have barely followed, ignored, repressed the war in Ukraine are now confronted directly with it. And many will now ask questions: What for? Why? Are government and state media telling us the truth? How they then deal with the answers – that is the great unknown.
In addition, hundreds of thousands of men are being withdrawn from the Russian labor market within a short space of time. Those who are convened; those who have left the country and also those who will no longer go to work because the marching orders could be stored there. According to experts, this could have serious consequences for the economy.