Russia: A country divided by Putin

 Despite Russia putting on a united front in the invasion of Ukraine, it’s failing to maintain any stronghold as the country falls apart at home. Over the past couple of weeks, Ukrainian forces have advanced rapidly on their aggressors and recaptured territory in Luhansk, a Russian-occupied region of Ukraine.

Credit: The Guardian.

 By: Derry Salter. 

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February, thousands of lives have been lost, areas destroyed, and cities seized. However, September has brought a month of hope for Ukraine as the country has driven Russian forces back and retaken more than 3,088 square miles of land. But, Russia remains in hold of around 1/5 of the country.

 

The cities of Izyum and Kupiansk, both key supply hubs for Russian forces, were allegedly retaken and show the counter-attack on the rise. Russia claims that the fall of these two cities back into the hands of Ukraine was strategic and gave them a chance to regroup. This glimmer of hope for Ukraine is proving a nightmare for Putin. Unfortunately, the country plans to continue attacking the area with military strikes, which will inevitably lead to further destruction and despair in Ukraine. 

On 21 September, the panic appeared in President Putin’s strategy when he ordered a partial mobilisation to reinforce his troops in Ukraine. Whilst addressing the nation, he stated the Russia was under direct threat of “disintegration” by the Western powers backing Ukraine. Putin also warned Nato that Russia is willing to use any weapons in its armoury, which even boasts nuclear weapons.

Putin’s move has seen around 300,000 reservists – people in military training or those will specialist skills – called up to fight. It has been theorised that Russia could conscript around 25 million people for military service, but this move is not yet on Putin’s agenda. Allegedly these new recruits will not be sent to fight in Ukraine, but rather defend the front line. The move may not be conscription, but it is a step closer in the dreaded direction.

That evening thousands of anti-war protesters took to the streets of Russia in a move against the new mobilisation. During the protest, many were handed call-up letters to join the military effort. Protests against the Kremlin’s decision did not go down well, with more than 1,300 arrested in one night. Those attending protests will face up to 15 years in jail and can be found to be discrediting the armed forces.

The border between Russia and Georgia has been home to miles long queues of vehicles for the past few nights, with desperate citizens trying to avoid call-up letters.

Despite protests from his own people, Putin continues to perceive his invasion of the Ukraine as a military operation, not a war. The Kremlin is set to continue the war until he achieves demilitarisation in Ukraine, no matter the cost. However, with protests throughout Russia, perhaps this is a chance for Ukraine to strike back on its attacker.