More than 200,000 people have joined the Russian army after the announcement of partial mobilization in the country, on September 21, to fight in Ukraine, the Russian Defense Minister said on Tuesday.
Officially, the mobilization ordered by the head of state Vladimir Putin is expected to recruit 300,000 reservists (with military experience or skills considered useful).
“The training of the personnel that integrates the (new) units was carried out in 80 barracks and six training centers,” Defense Minister Sergei Choigu said after a government meeting in Moscow.
The minister said that the “conscripts” will be sent to the front lines as part of the units that have been fighting in Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion on February 24.
According to Choigou, “a significant number” of people voluntarily presented themselves at military posts throughout the country before receiving the official mobilization order.
The mobilization aroused unrest in Russia, with protest demonstrations in some regions.
At the same time, thousands of men left the country for fear of military incorporation.
Today, the Defense Minister reiterated that soldiers currently serving a period of compulsory military service will not be sent “to the Ukrainian front.”
Russian authorities this month began “autumn conscription” that is expected to mobilize 120,000 young men for compulsory military service.
Source: TSF
