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Military operation in Ukraine

Winter camouflage all the rage in Ukraine as men seek to dodge draft by fleeing country

That’s the latest addition to Ukraine’s draft-dodging tricks

MOSCOW, January 16. /TASS/. Draft dodgers in Ukraine have started using winter camouflage suits to sneak across the border to other countries, the Strana news outlet reported.

It said border guards in the Odessa Region have detained two men wearing such suits near the border with Moldova. Ukrainian digital marketplaces are teeming with ads peddling the suits, with prices at no more than 1,000 hryvnias (about $26), according to the report.

That’s the latest addition to Ukraine’s draft-dodging tricks. Earlier ploys included face masks purporting to pass off their wearers as elderly people unworthy of attention from military conscription officers.

Ukraine announced military mobilization in February 2022, and the effort has since then led to numerous scandals and brewed conflict in society. While military conscription officers often use force to enlist people - sometimes even they are unfit for service - members of parliament and officials evade mobilization themselves and also take their conscription-age sons out of the country.

Ukraine is currently putting together a bill to amend mobilization rules. Its first version proposed to allow the government to enlist people that have certain disabilities. It would also permit digital summonses and limit the rights of draft dodgers, including those who have left the country.

However, the bill stirred controversy among lawmakers and was sent for revision. The new version is expected to be submitted to the legislature in the near future.

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Ukraine Military operation in Ukraine

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Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force

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Since June 12, 2013, Putin has been the leader of the non-governmental movement All-Russia People’s Front, created at his initiative as a coalition of social and political forces

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Kremlin sees Ukrainian petition for deployment of NATO troops as dangerous provocation

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Aurus Merlon electric motorcycle available for pre-order — acting Deputy PM

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Russia to join ranks of top four global economies — presidential decree

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Xi Jinping arrives in Serbia on his first visit in eight years

Chinese President began his visit on the day marking the anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade by NATO aircraft

Double standards with regard to Russia make US look pathetic — experts

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, "the global situation grows more dangerous by the day," Peter Kuznick said

Russian diplomat slams Western ambassador for being absent from Putin’s inauguration

Maria Zakharova also asked a rhetorical question about what these countries’ new ambassadors would do when they have to hand over their credentials to the president

Ukraine approves bill on drafting convicts for military service

279 parliament members had voted in favor of the document

Hamburg branch of AfG seeks to expel party member over trip to Russia as election observer

Olga Petersen had earlier been kicked out AfG’s parliamentary group

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French military already present in Donbass — French journalist

Christelle Neant said that the Ukrainian armed forces is drafting people with no military experience as part of its mobilization campaign and sends them to the frontline after "just two or three weeks of training"

Belarusian president sees aggravating military situation at western, southern borders

"Remarks of war and nuclear strikes can already be heard from certain figures," the Alexander Lukashenko said

Germany’s recalling ambassador to Russia another unfriendly step, diplomat says

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Russian diplomat accuses EU spokesman of 'inciting terrorism' with Crimean Bridge remarks

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US begins Astral Knight 2024 exercise in Europe involving 5,000 troops — Pentagon

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Russia may strike Britain's military facilities if London's threats materialize — MFA

Maria Zakharova described British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that London considered it legitimate for the Kiev regime to use British weapons for strikes on Russian territory as "something absolutely insane"

Detention of US soldier in Russia’s Vladivostok has no relation to espionage — diplomats

Russian Foreign Ministry’s mission in Vladivostok that "not following the case of the US citizen closely"

French troops to become target for Moscow forces if deployed to Ukraine — Russian MFA

According to Maria Zakharova, French President Emmanuel Macron’s bellicose rhetoric "is being rejected not only by many European Union and NATO allies," but also - most importantly - "by the vast majority of French citizens"

Russian government resigns

The cabinet will continue to carry out its duties until a new government is appointed

China congratulates Putin on assuming post of Russian president — diplomat

Vladimir Putin has been inaugurated as Russian president for the fifth time

Macron’s aggressive rhetoric baffles even his allies — diplomat

"Very often France’s allies from the UK and Germany, as we understand, try to get clarifications as to what the French leadership means, without getting a direct answer," Maria Zakharova pointed out

Aerospace Forces receive new Su-35S fighters

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Southern neighbors of US to regain stolen lands — Russian Security Council’s secretary

Nikolay Patrushev speculates that country may split into the North and the South again to get back to its original shape

FACTBOX: Key facts and figures about Russia’s Victory Day

Festive processions, gatherings, assemblies and reception ceremonies are held across Russia on May 9 to honor veterans of the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War