November 28, 2023

Beware the Wives and Mothers


Beware the Wives and Mothers
Military exercises. Yevgeny Kel, Wikimedia Commons

The sentiments of Russian women whose loved ones were mobilized for Russia's War on Ukraine pose a risk factor that "foreign ill-wishers" may exploit to destabilize the situation within the Russian Federation.

This assessment was conveyed during a seminar dedicated to preparing Russia for the election campaign for the March 17, 2024, presidential elections, attended by vice-governors for domestic policy and representatives of regional election commissions.

Kommersant sources urged local governments to stay in contact with these women, address their problems, and provide assistance in resolving their concerns. A source from one of the regional administrations, cited by the Russian news outlet The Insider, confirmed that working with the wives of mobilized citizens is a top priority for governors, per the presidential administration. The directive is clear: prevent protests at any cost, employing persuasion, promises, and financial incentives. The goal is to avoid any public demonstrations.

Sources from Verstka corroborated this summary, adding that the presidential administration has recommended that regional officials use various payments to pacify the wives and mothers of those mobilized.

In the past two weeks, it has been reported that close relatives of combatants have requested permission to hold rallies advocating for the rotation of mobilized citizens and the return of those serving for an extended period. However, such rallies were not approved in either Moscow or Krasnoyarsk. In Moscow, however, on November 7, approximately 20 women participated in a demonstration carrying posters with messages like "It's time for the mobilized to come home" and "No indefinite mobilization." Notably, this was part of a larger traditional rally organized by the KPRF (Communist Party of the Russian Federation) commemorating the anniversary of the October Revolution.

Novosibirsk was another city where the wives and mothers of the mobilized organized. Although the authorities did not officially approve the rally, they agreed to hold a meeting at the local House of Culture. Attendance was granted to those who filled out a special form via chat, with a cautionary note: "Prepare posters with slogans about your pain, but keep in mind that the poster must be approved at the entrance."

Apart from physical gatherings, in recent months the wives and mothers of the mobilized have orchestrated massive flash mobs publicized via social networks, facing censorship from the authorities.

Mobilization was declared on September 21, 2022, with Russian authorities reporting the mobilization of 300,000 persons. Many have already lost their lives. A recent study revealed that, on average, Russian conscripts perished in Ukraine after just four and a half months of service, and every fifth conscript did not survive for more than two months. Those who endure are obligated to continue their service.

Andrey Kartapolov, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Defense, asserts that there are no provisions for the rotation of mobilized conscripts, and they are expected to return home only after the conclusion of the war.

You Might Also Like

Do Not Talk to Foreigners
  • November 19, 2023

Do Not Talk to Foreigners

The Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education is collecting personal data of students and teachers who have been in contact with foreigners.
No More Music
  • November 08, 2023

No More Music

So far this year, Yandex.Music has eradicated more than 4000 bits of content.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

Turgenev Bilingual

Turgenev Bilingual

A sampling of Ivan Turgenev's masterful short stories, plays, novellas and novels. Bilingual, with English and accented Russian texts running side by side on adjoining pages.
Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

This astonishingly gripping autobiography by the founder of the Russian Women’s Death Battallion in World War I is an eye-opening documentary of life before, during and after the Bolshevik Revolution.
Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.
The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

The Little Humpbacked Horse (bilingual)

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.
Fish: A History of One Migration

Fish: A History of One Migration

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.
A Taste of Russia

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.
Fearful Majesty

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.
At the Circus (bilingual)

At the Circus (bilingual)

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.
Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.
The Moscow Eccentric

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955