Russian Elite's Secret Path to Dodge Draft Exposed Amid War

The British Ministry of Defense disclosed on Monday the presence of a special unit within the Russian armed forces. This unit enables members of the Russian elite to legally avoid military service by operating far from the front lines, thus ensuring their safety.

According to the daily intelligence report, the husband of well-known Russian influencer Yelena Blinovskaya enlisted in the Russian armed forces engaged in Ukraine. His enrollment was prompted by a wish to safeguard his wife from potential incarceration on tax evasion charges.

A photo was released on April 15th showing Andrey Blinovsky serving in BARS Kaskad, a unit specifically formed within the Russian armed forces and positioned near the Ukraine border.

The report clarifies that the BARS Kaskad unit was initiated by Dmitry Sablin, vice-chairman of the State Duma's defense committee. The unit's primary mission is to operate drones, generally at a significant distance from the front line. Operational since October 2022, the unit boasts membership, including at least ten members of the United Russia party and children of Kremlin VIPs.

Being drafted into BARS, Kaskad allows individuals from the Russian elite to circumvent military service obligations legally, with assured safety and an opportunity to gain favor with the Kremlin. Blinovsky's case marks the first known instance of someone joining the unit as a workaround to help a family member avoid imprisonment," the report stated.

Source: PAP