Russians angry at draftees' being sent to battle without training or equipment

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 19 Oct 2022 by Alex Teddy

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Soldiers have been killed within 10 days of being mobilized. Families have complained that their loved ones have been sent to the front without any refresher training. Most Russian men do a year of army training at the age of 18. Draftees are supposed to be given a 2 week course to bring back their military skills. The mobilization is having a positive effect on the war for Russia. Ukraine's advance has slowed. Russia has taken back some land. The Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is under severe pressure from Russia. The Kremlin said on October 14 that the mobilization will end on 28 October. On October 17 the Mayor of Moscow said that mobilization is over in his city. Some soldiers have reportedly bought their own uniform and boots for over USD 500. That is more than the average monthly wage. Polls suggest that the mobilization is hurting Putin's standing. People have been going on social media to appeal for their relatives to be releases from military service. Relatives have complained that they have not been able to contact their drafted sons and husbands. However, there are no street protests. The general newly appointed to command the Russian Army in Ukraine granted an interview to a TV channel. This is highly unusual. General Surovikin said that the aim was to stop Ukraine joining the West and NATO. He said he was very confident that he would defeat the ''Kyiv regime.''