More than 200,000 Russians have been drafted into the army since the partial mobilization in Russia, Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu has said.
The intention is that a total of 300,000 people will be called up.
When the mobilization was announced two weeks ago, it was said that reservists with experience would be called up. Still, it soon became apparent that people with no experience, health problems, and age had to report as well.
Last week, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russia’s first mobilization since World War II had not gone smoothly and promised to correct any mistakes made.
In addition to a chaotic mobilization, Russia is also struggling with reservists who do not want to join the army. People try to avoid being sent to Ukraine by, among other things, going abroad or hiding from the authorities.
Moreover, the mobilization comes at a time when the Russian army is suffering defeat in Ukraine. As a result, Ukrainian troops have been on the march for weeks.