The mothers and wives of Russian soldiers daring to defy Putin
Jan 29, 2024
auto_awesome
Journalist Pjotr Sauer engages with the emotional experiences of Russian soldiers' wives and mothers fighting in Ukraine, exploring their protests against the war and changing sentiment in Russia. This chapter highlights their determination, growing impact on public opinion, and resistance against Putin's regime.
The Way Home is a protest group formed by wives and mothers of Russian soldiers, demanding the return of their loved ones from the war in Ukraine.
Increasing numbers of conscripts are deserting or expressing opposition to the war, indicating a shift in public support.
Deep dives
The Way Home Movement Emerges
The Way Home is a protest group consisting of wives and mothers of Russian soldiers serving in the Russian Ukraine War. The movement started in September 2023, a year after the men were mobilized. It began as a telegram chat for support, but quickly grew into a larger movement with protests in Moscow and other cities. The women regularly gather at the Kremlin, wearing white scarves, and demand for their husbands to return home.
Conscripted Men and their Backgrounds
When Russia initiated the general mobilization in September 2022, 300,000 men were conscripted into the military. These men come from various backgrounds, predominantly working-class individuals from poorer regions of Siberia and Russia's north and south. Many of them lack significant military training, and some were physically unfit for combat. Despite the initial public support for the war and mobilization, increasing numbers of conscripts are either deserting or expressing opposition to the war.
Changing Attitudes and Distrust in the Government
The wives and mothers of the mobilized soldiers were initially supportive of President Putin and the war in Ukraine. However, as time passed and their men remained on the front lines, their attitudes changed. The Russian government's unfulfilled promises, including not sending civilians to fight, and the prolonged absence of their loved ones have fueled anger and distrust in the government. The women have become more vocal in their protest, publicly criticizing Putin and calling for all civilians to be demobilized. Their movement has gained support and sympathy from other Russians who see their own lives potentially impacted by the war.
Partners and parents of conscripted fighters are demanding that their loved ones come home. What does it say about Russian support for the war? With Pjotr Sauer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode