Rus 'Opposition to Mobilization Order' Protests Intensify... South Korean Foreign Ministry "Instructs Diplomatic Missions to Ensure Safety of Overseas Nationals"

Protests Across Russia... 17 Attacks Reported Targeting Conscription Centers

Russian police are suppressing protests against the mobilization order.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration to mobilize 300,000 reservists for deployment to the Ukrainian front are spreading and intensifying across Russia. Due to this, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed all diplomatic missions in Russia to ensure the safety of overseas nationals.

On the 26th (local time), the American daily The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing local media Mediazona, that "since the fear of the mobilization order, 54 government buildings, including military conscription centers across Russia, have been set on fire."

It was counted that protesters targeted conscription centers in a total of 17 attacks. The Russian independent media Novaya Gazeta, quoting a Federal Security Service (FSB) official, reported, "Rumors that the authorities will close the borders to prevent conscripts from leaving have spread, and it is estimated that 261,000 people fled Russia between the 21st and 24th."

According to foreign media, hundreds of Russian citizens participating in protests against the mobilization order have been detained. Meanwhile, the Russian government has already issued summons orders to tens of thousands of reservists, who are expected to undergo military training soon and be deployed to the front lines.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also instructed all diplomatic missions in Russia to ensure the safety of overseas nationals. A ministry official explained, "Diplomatic missions in Russia are strengthening the collection of security-related information in their jurisdictions and are advising our compatriots to refrain from traveling in protest areas and densely populated locations."

He added, "We are disseminating related safety information" and emphasized, "We are taking measures to ensure the safety of our nationals, including rechecking the emergency contact network for all overseas nationals."