[ad_1]
The partial mobilisation of 300,000 additional troops has sent a wave of alarm across the Russian population as thousands attempted to flee the country. State-controlled media has since announced that the Kremlin has plans to trap civilians hoping to escape enlistment by crossing the few land borders that remain accessible to Russians. TV presenter Olga Skabeeva claimed “mobile military enlistment offices” would be installed close to border crossing points in a bid to capture men hoping to avoid conscription. In addition, Vadim Gigin, a Belarusian propagandist, claimed individuals hoping to avoid mobilisation by travelling to Belarus would be “promptly apprehended” and returned to Russia.
During a Russia One broadcast, renowned Kremlin media host Ms Skabeeva said: “There are some members of the public who run – let them run.
“The Defence Ministry said we won’t try to catch anyone.
“It has been announced that at the point of departure from the Russian Federation, for those attempting to cross the border into Georgia at the Lars checkpoint, a mobile military enlistment office will be rolled out.
“That’s for those who really want to get away.”
Mr Gigin, a Belarusian state TV host added: “The special military operation and mobilisation are tests, not only of patriotism, but also of humanity.
“Those who run, some of them are going to Belarus – I have good news for them.
“Belarus is a part of the Union State and those who run there from mobilisation will be promptly apprehended and returned to the territory of the Russian Federation.
“Our military enlistment offices work well, people working in them are educated and they will be able to enact necessary measures.”
Read more: Russian soldier says military ‘became savages’ in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has acted to discourage evasion of the military call up by drastically strengthening sanctions against those who flee the order to mobilise.
The Russian President has signed a decree to double the prison term for those who attempt to avoid mandatory military duty from five years to 10.
In addition, Russian soldiers who voluntarily surrender to enemy forces could face up to 10 years imprisonment. The move comes as morale among Moscow’s troops is reported to be at a concerning new low.
Kremlin Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the additional 300,000 troops would be drawn from those with prior combat experience, although reports have emerged of civilians with no previous military service having received orders to report for duty.
Don’t miss:
Russian propagandists turn on Vladimir Putin over mobilisation order [INSIGHT]
Men fleeing to Georgia to avoid conscription in Ukraine war [REPORT]
Russian army supply routes choked as Ukraine reclaims key rail hub [REVEAL]
[ad_2]
