As a result of Vladimir Putin’s request for 300,000 reserves to continue the invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of demonstrators have been imprisoned around Russia.
Anger has erupted in Moscow as a result of Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a partial mobilization in Russia, leading to clashes between protesters and police.
As a result of the Kremlin’s announcement that 300,000 reserve troops would be mobilized to continue the invasion of Ukraine, throngs of Russian citizens took to the streets of the nation’s capital.
As several were pinned to the ground or hauled away after being seized by armed police, demonstrators yelled “No to war” in a show of defiance.
More than 1,371 people were detained in 38 cities across the country on Wednesday night, including at least 300 in Moscow.
Diana Magnay reported from the capital that demonstrators were being treated “brutally,” describing the people as “extraordinarily courageous” for freely expressing their opinions in a police state.
People have been so afraid that they may be detained that there have been no protests in cities for the past five or six months, and this is certainly the case, said Magnay.
Russians have faced the possibility of detention for joining anti-government rallies for years, but since the invasion began on 24 February, they have also been muted by military censorship.
Thousands participated in anti-war demonstrations during the beginning of the fight, despite the possibility of losing their jobs or perhaps being imprisoned, but now many are too afraid to speak out.
Magnay added, “Many are concerned about the escalation and do not wish to fight.”
Multiple uniformed officers were captured on film around individual demonstrators during the scuffles.
A woman was spotted being led away after attempting to prevent police from arresting a male demonstrator.
Magnay stated that some members of the older generation are persuaded mobilization is necessary.
Mr. Putin addressed the nation this morning for the first time since Russia launched a “special military operation” in February when it sent troops into battle.
In a prerecorded tape, he emphasized that the directive only called for a partial mobilization: “Only those in reserve would be conscripted.”
He warned Western leaders that he was not kidding when he issued a nuclear threat: “I am not bluffing.”
Previously, the Kremlin stated that it was not considering a partial or complete mobilization.
This morning’s declaration comes two weeks after Ukraine’s swift attack regained control of towns in the Kharkiv region, forcing Moscow to retreat from two front-line positions.
Flights due to depart Moscow were sold out, and the price of any remaining seats soared into the thousands of pounds.
