Putin's Universe: The Push for Mobilization moves Russia into a world of total violence and fear

Vladimir Putin's announcement of mobilization on September 21st has plunged Russia into a dystopian nightmare. Where previously Russians went to war as contract soldiers or volunteers, now thousands of fathers, sons, friends and neighbors are being sent to the front and likely to their deaths. Furthermore, this so-called 'partial mobilization', nominally limited to those who have served in the army and have combat experience, is being conducted erratically, with widespread reports of whole villages being rounded up and taken away without consideration to previous military status. In particular, areas far from the power centres of Moscow and St Petersburg, such as Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Far East, have been most affected. Thousands are fleeing the country as widespread repression takes hold. At the same time, protests seem to be gathering steam. How has mobilization changed the political climate in Russia, and how will this new climate of fear affect people's lives?

#putin #news #russia