Remember another authoritarian leader who directly gave orders to his generals. Putin is personally giving orders to his generals on the battlefield as dysfunction grows, according to US intel https://www.businessinsider.com/put...ield-dysfunction-grows-us-intelligence-2022-9
So --- as of now they have exemptions only for "IT workers, bankers and journalists working for state media". So much for core industries, natural resources, and transportation in Russia. Ukraine war: Russia reveals exemptions as men flee call-up https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63005406 Russia's defence ministry has revealed a host of occupations that will be exempted from conscription aimed at boosting its war effort in Ukraine. IT workers, bankers and journalists working for state media will escape the "partial mobilisation" announced by President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Around 300,000 citizens face being called up as part of the drive. The move has prompted a rush towards borders as young men attempt to flee to evade the draft. Announcing the exemptions on Friday, Russia defence ministry said employers must compile a list of workers who meet the criteria and submit it to its offices. But it accepted some sectors had to be excluded to "ensure the work of specific high-tech industries, as well as Russia's financial system". Some commentators have observed that the text of the mobilisation decree has been left vague - potentially allowing it to be widened if necessary. And one paragraph remains entirely classified. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday this referred to the total number of Russians that could be conscripted, which he said could not be disclosed. Earlier, the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta had reported - citing an unnamed government source - that the redacted section allowed for a call-up of up to a million people, rather than the reported 300,000. Russian men are continuing to try to flee the country to avoid being called up by recruiters for the country's first military mobilisation since World War Two. In the south, miles-long queues of traffic have formed at the border crossing between Russia and Georgia. Some of those heading into the neighbouring country have used bicycles to bypass lines of cars and evade a ban on crossing on foot, with others reporting waits of up to 12 hours. When asked about the war, one man who did not wish to be named told the BBC he had known it was happening but that, until Mr Putin's declaration of a "partial mobilisation", it had not been his concern. A Russian student, who also did not want to be identified, said that people had woken up. "They opened their eyes and started thinking about where to hide their children. Now people understand what's happening because it affects them directly," he said. Another IT worker told the BBC that he was opposed to the war, but was too scared to speak out against it. "I don't want to risk my life, the life of my family. I don't want to be put in detention," he said. "All I could do was to get Schengen visa. Luckily I got one in May." Georgia is one of the few neighbouring countries that Russians can enter without needing to apply for a visa. Border guards in neighbouring Finland, which shares a 1,300km (800 mile) border with Russia but requires an entry visa, told the BBC that queues had grown at various crossing points. Other destinations reachable by air - such as Istanbul, Belgrade or Dubai - have seen ticket prices skyrocket immediately after the military call-up was announced, with some destinations sold out completely. Turkish media have reported a large spike in one-way ticket sales, while remaining flights to non-visa destinations can cost thousands of euros. Several countries are grappling with the prospect of an influx of Russian draft dodgers. Germany's interior minister signalled on Thursday that those fleeing conscription would be welcome in her country. Nancy Faeser said deserters threatened by "severe repression" would receive protection on a case-by-case basis, following security checks. But several other European countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the Czech Republic, struck a different tone, saying they would not offer fleeing Russians refuge. The countries have long-pushed the EU to take a harder line on Russia. "I understand that Russians are fleeing from ever more desperate decisions by Putin," Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said. "But those running because they don't want to fulfil a duty imposed by their own government, they don't meet the criteria for humanitarian visa." The call-up sparked protests in major Russian cities including Moscow and St Petersburg on Tuesday, resulting in a reported 1,300 arrests. There were also reports from Russia that some of those detained for protesting had been handed draft papers while in custody at police stations. When asked about the reports, Mr Peskov said that doing so was not against the law.
First off, let me be the first to exclaim the genius of Putin by using specific examples: 1. Mobilization of millions into the military is not that costly when Russia’s economy is in shambles. 2. What better way to reduce internal security risk of war fatigued citizens than to empty key areas? 3. Sanctions will be irrelevant when the borders of the Soviet Union is restored as Russia will be able to use captured manufacturing capacity and personnel for their purposes. 4. Putin’s threat of using WMDs should Russian territory be attacked allows Russia to accumulate forces near the borders of other countries without fear of preemptive attack, thus allowing Russia to obtain early initiative when they get everything in place. As most should know, the first strike advantage in modern warfare is an almost insurmountable advantage. 5. While Putin was always Commander-In-Chief, his decision to take an active role the conduct of the likely expanding war will ensure the results he creates will directly be his own effort. There is no better way to restore his credibility as leader of Russia. 6. Putin’s escalation so soon after his meeting with China may suggest he feels “Backstopped” by China. That no matter matter how badly Russia’s war may go, China would never take advantage of Russia’s situation. If there ever was a time for NATO, as well as countries that fear Russia, to declare unlimited national emergencies, it is now. Practically speaking, a NATO preemptive strike should be on the table if Russian forces start massing on the borders of NATO countries, also including Ukraine. Russia still has roughly 85% of its prewar military capability, thus is still a potent regional, if not global threat. Will the genius of Putin be enough to restore Russia to its former Soviet Union greatness? That may depend on the geniuses in NATO.
Russian Military Began Sell Equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine: $5,000 for Tiger Armored Vehicle, $50,000 for Tank September 23, 2022 https://en.defence-ua.com/events/ru...tiger_armored_vehicle_5000_for_tank-4314.html The russians, whom the Putin regime is driving to war in Ukraine, have the opportunity to earn more in one day than the Ministry of Defense of the russian federation promised, it is enough just to hand over military equipment and weapons to the Ukrainian military Little by little, Russian soldiers are starting to sell equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine under a special "program". As a result of such an exchange, one of the servicemen of the russian army received 5,000 dollars for the Tiger armored vehicle on the condition of complete anonymity. The relevant video was recorded by the head of the Mykolaiv Regional Miliary Administration Vitaliy Kim, where he showed the armored vehicle purchased in this way. The mechanism of the "program" is as simple as possible - the "Nikolaevsky Vanyok" (Николаевский Ванёк) telegram channel, to which any serviceman of the armed forces of the russian federation can write to an anonymous bot and agree on the sale of equipment and weapons. The algorithm of actions is as simple as possible too - leave the equipment or weapons near the front line, send the coordinates and number of a credit card or account in bank. After checking the information, the money will be transferred. Everything is completely anonymous. The prices are also quite attractive. Military personnel of the russian army could get 50,000 dollars for a tank, 25,000 dollars for IFV, 15,000 dollars for MLRS, 10,000 dollars for self-propelled guns and other artillery, and 5,000 dollars for armored vehicles. It is also worth noting that the amount for the tank is equivalent to almost 1,000 days of payments that the Ministry of Defense of the russian federation promised to the russians for participating in the war against Ukraine. An ordinary armored car can bring to saller the equivalent of payment for a serious injury, or payments for four minor injuries at once. By the way, whether this level of payments will remain for the russians after the mobilization is carried out is not yet known.
Voting Instructions: Vote to join Russia or get shot by a firing squad outside. Occupied Ukraine holds Kremlin-staged vote on joining Russia https://apnews.com/article/russia-u...and-politics-4ad18c2400a1cc04276f8ef5902a3e85
Proving that you are a man by going to Ukraine to kill Grannie and then raping the grandchildren? Putin Ally Pushes War as Way for Russians to Prove They're 'Real Men' https://www.newsweek.com/vitaly-mil...prove-they-are-real-men-putin-ukraine-1745499
World opinion shifts against Russia as Ukraine worries grow https://news.yahoo.com/world-opinion-shifts-against-russia-050005666.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall The tide of international opinion appears to be decisively shifting against Russia, as a number of non-aligned countries are joining the United States and its allies in condemning Moscow’s war in Ukraine and its threats to the principles of the international rules-based order. Western officials have repeatedly said that Russia has become isolated since invading Ukraine in February. Until recently, though, that was largely wishful thinking. But on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, much of the international community spoke out against the conflict in a rare display of unity at the often fractured United Nations. The tide had already appeared to be turning against Russian President Vladimir Putin even before Thursday’s U.N. speeches. Chinese and Indian leaders had been critical of the war at a high-level summit last week in Uzbekistan. And then the U.N. General Assembly disregarded Russia’s objections and voted overwhelmingly to allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be the only leader to address the body remotely, instead of requiring him to appear in person. That shift against Russia accelerated after Putin on Wednesday announced the mobilization of some additional 300,000 troops to Ukraine, signaling the unlikelihood of a quick end to the war. Putin also suggested that nuclear weapons may be an option. That followed an announcement of Russia’s intention to hold referendums in several occupied Ukrainian regions on whether they will become part of Russia. Those announcements came at the very moment that the General Assembly, considered the premier event in the global diplomatic calendar, was taking place in New York. Numerous world leaders used their speeches on Tuesday and Wednesday to denounce Russia’s war. That trend continued Thursday both in the assembly hall and at the usually deeply divided U.N. Security Council, where, one-by-one, virtually all of the 15 council members served up harsh criticism of Russia – a council member -- for aggravating several already severe global crises and imperiling the foundations of the world body. The apparent shift in opinion offers some hope to Ukraine and its Western allies that increasing isolation will add pressure on Putin to negotiate a peace. But few are unduly optimistic. Putin has staked his legacy on the Ukraine war and few expect him to back down. And, Russia is hardly isolated. Many of its allies depend on it for energy, food and military assistance and are likely to stand by Putin regardless of what happens in Ukraine. Still, it was striking to hear Russia’s nominal friends like China and India, following up on last week’s remarks, speak of grave concerns they have about the conflict and its impact on global food and energy shortages as well as threats to the concepts of sovereignty and territorial integrity that are enshrined in the U.N. Charter. Brazil registered similar concerns. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa make up the so-called BRICS bloc of countries, which has often shunned or outright opposed Western initiatives and views on international relations. Only one country, Belarus, a non-council member and Russia ally that was invited to participate, spoke in support of Russia, but also called for a quick end to the fighting, which it called a “tragedy.” “We hear a lot about the divisions among countries at the United Nations,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. “But recently, what’s striking is the remarkable unity among member states when it comes to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Leaders from countries developing and developed, big and small, North and South have spoken in the General Assembly about the consequences of the war and the need to end it.” “Even a number of nations that maintain close ties with Moscow have said publicly that they have serious questions and concerns about President Putin’s ongoing invasion,” Blinken said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was careful not to condemn the war but said that China’s firm stance is that “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected. The purposes of the principles of the U.N. Charter should be observed.” Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said “the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict is a matter of a profound concern for the international community.” He called for accountability for atrocities and abuses committed in Ukraine. “If egregious attacks committed in broad daylight are left unpunished, this council must reflect on the signals we are sending on impunity. There must be consistency if we are to ensure credibility,” he said. And Brazilian Foreign Minister Carlos Alberto Franca said immediate efforts to end the war are critical. “The continuation of the hostilities endangers the lives of innocent civilians and jeopardizes the food and energy security of millions of families in other regions, especially in developing countries,” he said. “The risks of escalation arising for the current dynamics of the conflict are simply too great, and its consequences for the world order unpredictable.” Foreign ministers and top officials from Albania, Britain, France, Ireland, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Mexico and Norway delivered similar rebukes. “Russia’s actions are blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations,” said Albanian Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka. “We all tried to prevent this conflict. We could not, but we must not fail to hold Russia accountable.” Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard called the invasion a “flagrant breach of international law” and Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said: “If we fail to hold Russia accountable we send a message to large countries that they can prey on their neighbors with impunity.” Unsurprisingly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was unapologetic and defensive at the same time and specifically targeted Zelenskyy. Citing a phrase often attributed to President Franklin Roosevelt, Lavrov called Zelenskyy “a bastard," but said Western leaders regarded him as “our bastard.” He repeated a long list of Russia’s complaints about Ukraine and accused Western countries of using Ukraine for anti-Russia activities and policies. “Everything I’ve said today simply confirms that the decision to conduct the special military operation was inevitable,” Lavrov said, following Russian practice of not calling the invasion a war. Russia has denied being isolated and the foreign ministry used social media to publicize a number of apparently cordial meetings that Lavrov has held with foreign minister colleagues at the UN in recent days. Still, Blinken and his colleagues from other NATO nations seized on what they believe to be growing opposition to and impatience with Putin. And, several speakers, including Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, pointed out that Lavrov skipped the meeting except for his speaking slot. “I notice that Russian diplomats flee almost as quickly as Russian soldiers,” Kuleba said, referring to Lavrov’s hasty exit along with recent Russian troop retreats in Ukraine.