Mother's Association of Korean War Veterans Starts Petition for Ukraine Troop Withdrawal... "Demanding Swift End to War"

Mother's Day Sparks Flood of Online Petitions
Putin Regime Also Sensitive to Public Opinion... Invites to Presidential Residence

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A group of mothers of Russian soldiers participating in the Ukraine war has launched a petition campaign demanding an end to the war and troop withdrawal. The Russian government is showing conciliatory moves, such as inviting representatives of the Mothers' Association to the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing attention on public opinion trends. There are concerns that if public sentiment deteriorates severely amid the worsening frontline situation and the possibility of a second mobilization order, the Putin regime could suffer a significant blow.

According to CNN on the 27th (local time), on Russia's Mother's Day, an online petition campaign demanding an end to the war and troop withdrawal was launched, centered on the association of mothers of soldiers mobilized for the Ukraine war. In the petition sent to the Russian Federation Council's Social Policy Committee and the State Duma's Family, Women, and Children Committee, they demanded a full withdrawal from Ukraine and the return of soldiers.

Nearly 4,000 mothers have signed the petition so far, and women's organizations such as the feminist anti-war group 'Feminist Anti-War Resistance (FAR)' have also joined the petition. Through the petition, they stated, "We oppose our children, brothers, husbands, and fathers participating in the war," and urged lawmakers to "exercise all influence to ensure a swift end to the war and the return of close relatives as soon as possible."

The Russian government is also keenly attentive to changes in public opinion among women, including mothers' groups, and is responding actively. Earlier, on the 25th, the Kremlin held a consolation meeting by inviting 17 mothers of soldiers to 'Novo-Ogaryovo,' the presidential residence on the outskirts of Moscow.

At this meeting, President Putin said, "Family is the source of everything. There is no doubt that most of your children decided to protect their homeland, Russia, as a result of your efforts," and added, "I want you to know that the national leadership and I share your pain. I understand that nothing can replace the loss of a son," comforting the mothers.

Members of the mothers' group who attended the meeting reportedly voiced their dissatisfaction openly. According to the British BBC, in the transcript of the meeting released by the Kremlin, some attendees strongly protested, saying, "As the harsh winter begins, our sons are being sent into battle without proper weapons and coats."

If public opinion worsens, especially among women's groups, it is expected to deal a significant blow to the Russian government, which may face the need to declare a second mobilization order. According to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russian military is experiencing a severe shortage of personnel due to a sharp increase in casualties on major Ukrainian frontlines, and it is reported that there are plans to supplement forces with about 500,000 to 700,000 troops through a second mobilization order.