Wives of soldiers have had enough: Arrests commence
The wives of Russian soldiers, who were dispatched to the battlefront several months or even over a year ago, have reached their breaking point. Their husbands have been absent for a lengthy period due to the army's lack of rotation. In desperation, these women reached out to Vladimir Putin, a move that wasn't well-received by the authorities. Consequently, several of the most vocal women have been arrested, facing probable punishment.
11:56 PM EST, December 5, 2023
In Russia, questioning the progress of the "special military operation," otherwise known as the war in Ukraine, is strictly forbidden. The repercussions for criticizing the authorities or divulging any facts about the fighting that aren't sanctioned by the authorities or state propaganda can lead to penalties and potential imprisonment.
Women, particularly the wives of soldiers who have been detached from their husbands for over a year, conducted impromptu protests in multiple Russian cities. They demanded a rotation of troops and the safe return of their husbands. The Russian government responded in its typical fashion, arresting the most proactive women and threatening the rest with incarceration.
Current estimates indicate that over 420,000 Russian soldiers are in Ukraine.
Independent media outlets outside the Kremlin influence suggest that over half of the Russians engaged in the fighting front were explicitly mobilized for the war in Ukraine. Despite some being deployed at the front for nearly two years, they are yet to be granted return. There are two ways this happens: either through sustaining serious injuries necessitating treatment or through death.
Providing that the military locates and retrieves the body of the deceased soldier, which isn't always guaranteed.
The wives of these soldiers, left with little recourse, appealed directly to Vladimir Putin, seeking intervention from the president himself. Unfortunately, it seems they overlooked the fact that Putin initiated the war and dispatched his all but guaranteed future casualties. So, why would he withdraw the troops now, especially with the pressing need for soldiers? The halt of mobilization only makes matters worse.
"Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, we are waiting for your help. We want our husbands to return home," pleaded the desperate women.
During the protests in Moscow, the militia was dispatched to deal with the wives and relatives of soldiers brandishing banners, who were then ordered to disperse and stow away their banners. Failure to do so would result in arrests and court hearings. The authorities are doing everything within their power to prevent the spread of protests across the country, taking harsh measures against any form of opposition, even peaceful protests.
The women aren't questioning the war, nor directly criticizing the army. They simply want their husbands to come home.
However, the pleas of these women seem to fall on deaf ears in the Russian administration and Vladimir Putin himself. If any soldiers are released, it is unlikely they would want to return to the front, and there would be no replacements for them. Essentially, they are stuck serving in the Russian army, and it's unlikely that will change anytime soon. The Putin administration does not tolerate opposition, showing a lack of respect for its own citizens.
Questioning the army's decisions and publicly protesting can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
