What's happened
In a significant shift, Russian conscripts are being deployed in combat roles in the Kursk region amid Ukraine's recent incursions. This breaks a long-standing practice of keeping conscripts off the front lines, raising concerns among families and opposition lawmakers about their safety and the implications for Russian military policy.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Neil MacFarquhar in the New York Times, the deployment of conscripts in Kursk has shattered a long-held expectation among Russian families that their sons would be shielded from combat. He notes that hundreds of conscripts have been captured, highlighting the unexpected peril they now face. Meanwhile, The Moscow Times reports that opposition lawmakers are calling for an end to this practice, urging the Defense Ministry to confirm the reports of conscripts fighting in Kursk. Alexander Shishlov, a member of the Yabloko party, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the deployment contradicts President Putin's earlier promises. In contrast, the New Statesman points out that this situation could create a generation of disillusioned young men, potentially leading to societal unrest as they return home with grievances against the state.
How we got here
Traditionally, Russian conscripts, aged 18-30, are not deployed in combat roles, a practice codified in law. However, Ukraine's recent military actions have forced the Russian military to reconsider this policy, leading to the deployment of conscripts in the Kursk region.
More on these topics
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.