By Sasha Kinskey, The Chicago Times
September 24, 2022
MOSCOW – The Russian government has announced certain exemptions to the recent mobilization of its reserve forces.
Russia’s defense ministry announced that bankers, IT workers, journalists and other employees in critical industries would be exempt from conscription. This is in response to Wednesday’s announcement that Russia would activate 300,000 additional soldiers to strengthen its depleted army in Ukraine.
Putin’s mobilization order follows weeks of meat grinding defeat for the Russians as Ukrainian forces battle east to liberate portions of Russian held territories in Ukraine. In a war that has now entered its eight-month, Russian casualties have mounted to over 10,000 soldiers with no end in sight.
The mobilization announcement has led to protests within Russia, which has prompted the Federal Assembly to pass a bill that would punish draft dodgers and deserters with a prison sentence of up to 15 years. President Putin is expected to sign the bill into law.
There have been reports that thousands of Russian men are fleeing to Finland and other parts of Europe in order to avoid conscription and the meat grinder of Ukraine. Many bordering countries have pledged to restrict the influx of Russians since it presents a border security threat.
The Chicago Times 