What happened to the Russians Putin mobilized four years ago? Meduza follows two of them — one still at the front, the other now a deserter in Spain.
The “partial mobilization” announced four years ago remains in effect: no decree has ever ended it. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, more than 300,000 people were drafted to fight in the fall of 2022. At least 20,000 have died. Among those mobilized were Maxim, a resident of Pskov (his name and city have been changed), and Temirzhan Bayanov from Omsk. Before he was sent to the front, Maxim…
Four years ago, Russia announced a "partial mobilization" of men to fight in Ukraine. Over 300,000 people were drafted, and at least 20,000 have died. Two of those mobilized are Maxim, a Pskov resident now at the front, and Temirzhan Bayanov from Omsk, who fled to Spain. Maxim, initially disinterested in the war, now sees Ukrainians as enemies.
Temirzhan avoided the draft but was later caught and managed to escape. Meduza reports their stories, warning that the article contains profanity. Maxim, 38, remains in Ukraine, while Temirzhan now lives in Spain.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
