Unwilling Conscripts Weak Link in Russian Military
Commentary
Hundreds of thousands of Russians fleeing military conscription reveal a weak spot in Russia’s armor—an army that refuses to fight.
In late September, Vladimir Putin ordered the conscription of 300,000 young Russian men to fight in the Ukraine war. Since then, Russians have been flooding into Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia to avoid the draft. The Georgian capital city of Tbilisi had already reported the arrival of 40,000 Russians days after the mobilization. In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Russians are highly visible. According to local sources, some Russian engineers have found work in the mines. Many young Russians are also applying to universities to remain in the country as students. There are also Russians on the streets playing music or begging….