Russian Independent Media "Allows Mobilization of Up to 1 Million"
Russian Government "Exempts University Students and Those with Health Issues from Mobilization"
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] In Russia, protests against the partial mobilization order have intensified as rumors circulate that the number of conscripts is 1 million, not the 300,000 announced by the government. Although the Russian government has denied the 1 million mobilization rumor and announced exemptions from military service, public opposition has not subsided.
According to TASS news agency on the 22nd (local time), Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated at a press briefing that "reports claiming that up to 1 million reservists could be mobilized as part of the partial mobilization are false," and added, "Reports that men of conscription age are fleeing the country following the announcement of the partial mobilization are also exaggerated."
Earlier, the Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta, citing anonymous sources within the Russian government, reported that "Nowhere in the mobilization decree signed by the president is there mention of mobilizing 300,000 people," and "A classified decree signed by the president on the 21st allows the Russian Ministry of Defense to mobilize up to 1 million people." The legal reserve force in Russia amounts to 2 million.
As the controversy spread, the Russian Ministry of Defense hastily announced the categories exempt from mobilization. In a statement, the Ministry said, "Those working in the defense industry, individuals deemed unfit for conscription due to health reasons, men who must support family members or disabled persons, military pension recipients, and university students are exempt from conscription."
Regarding the partial mobilization targets, it was emphasized that former officers with extensive combat experience will be prioritized. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated, "Those with experience in the naval sector will be mobilized first. One of the main criteria for mobilization is combat experience," adding, "Officers, soldiers, and non-commissioned officers will all be conscripted, and under current law, soldiers and NCOs under 35 years old, NCOs under 50, and senior officers under 55 can be mobilized."
The Russian government also announced the establishment of a hotline to provide information to conscription candidates. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said, "Starting today, hotline 122 will be activated to answer citizens' questions," emphasizing, "Information from unofficial sources should not be trusted."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
