What's happened
Recent incursions by Ukrainian forces into Russia's Kursk region have led to the deployment of conscripted soldiers, breaking a long-standing practice of keeping them off the front lines. This shift has sparked outrage among families and raised concerns about the military's preparedness and the implications for Russian society.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the unexpected deployment of conscripts in Kursk has led to a backlash from families, with one parent stating, 'They should not defend the borders of the Motherland with bare hands.' Meanwhile, the Moscow Times reports that Yabloko lawmakers are urging the Defense Ministry to halt these deployments, emphasizing the risks to young soldiers. The New Statesman highlights the potential for societal unrest, noting that many conscripts feel betrayed by the government, which has historically promised their safety. This sentiment could lead to significant political consequences for the Kremlin as public trust erodes.
How we got here
For over two decades, Russian conscripts have been shielded from combat. However, the recent Ukrainian offensive in Kursk has forced the military to deploy these young soldiers, contradicting President Putin's previous assurances that conscripts would not see combat.
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.