(RightWing.org) – It’s been nearly two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the end of the war, despite the massive reported death tolls and setbacks, is seemingly nowhere in sight. Russia has had to default to several methods, including conscription, to recruit soldiers. Now, there are reports circulating that the Kremlin is refusing to allow soldiers to leave the battlefield, even when their terms are up, and it’s got Russian citizens worried.
Worries of an Armed Insurrection
A Newsweek report recently revealed that relatives of Russian soldiers are worried that citizens will soon take matters into their own hands and lead an armed insurrection, citing the Kremlin’s treatment of its troops. Of particular note is that those who have already completed their terms are still in Ukraine carrying out Russia’s offensive. There’s a reason for that, according to Andrey Kartapolov, the State Duma Defense Committee Chairman.
Back in September, Kartapolov made it clear that soldiers wouldn’t be moved out of Ukraine until the war was over. He said, “They have been fighting for a year now. They have become professionals in their field.” Removing them would lead to Ukraine gaining the upper hand, he noted. Kartapolov extended his thanks to the troops and said, “They will complete this task.”
Relatives of the soldiers, however, are none too happy. Many claim to have been “betrayed” and say the Russian government is exploiting its people as well as making empty promises. Some of the soldier’s wives say their husbands are fed up, and they predict there will be an armed uprising.
Wagner Group Incident
This isn’t the first time that Moscow has faced worries of an armed insurrection. In late June 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Russian-funded paramilitary company Wagner Group, led his men toward the capital as tensions between Prigozhin and the Russian Ministry of Defence rose. He maintained that he wasn’t trying to stage a coup, but the damage was done.
In the end, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was responsible for stepping in and mediating a settlement between the two that saw Prigozhin exiled to Belarus. He later died in a suspicious plane crash.
As for the war in Ukraine, both sides are continuing to launch attacks. Just after the new year, Russia carried out one of its largest offensive, sending nearly 100 missiles into Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure. Ukraine military officials said they were able to intercept many of them due to the Patriot defense system provided by Western allies.
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