Putin’s draft fail: Young men hide in gypsy camp rather than fight for Russia

One of the men claimed he had no idea he was required to register for military service.

Six young men caught in Tula region

Security forces in Russia’s Tula region discovered six draft dodgers hiding in a local gypsy camp.

The raid was reported by the outlet Regnum on Telegram.

The men were rounded up and handed over to the local military registration office.

“We didn’t know we had to sign up”

When questioned, one of the men claimed he had no idea he was required to register for military service.

Others told officers they had a “delay” or exemption.

Their excuses did not stop officials from forcing them into line and escorting them away.

Russia’s draft practices under scrutiny

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has intensified its conscription practices.

In 2022, President Putin ordered a “partial mobilization,” leading to hundreds of thousands being called up.

Authorities also tightened digital registration rules, making it nearly impossible to ignore draft notices.

Fear of the front line

Russian forces have suffered massive losses in Ukraine.

Western intelligence estimates put casualties, killed and wounded, at more than one million since the war began.

This grim reality discourages many young men from serving, pushing some to hide or flee.

What draft dodgers risk

Dodging the draft in Russia carries heavy penalties.

Men who refuse service can face fines, imprisonment, or forced mobilization.

In 2022, new laws introduced punishments of up to 10 years in prison for desertion, surrender, or refusal to fight.

Harsh treatment of deserters

Reports from the front say runaway soldiers have been beaten, imprisoned in basements, or even executed by their commanders.

Russian rights groups claim “punishment units” are used to terrify others into obedience.

The six caught in Tula may now fear such measures.

Staged humiliation

Footage from the raid showed the young men lined up with their hands on each other’s shoulders, marched like prisoners.

This public shaming tactic has become a common feature of Russian enforcement videos, meant to send a message to others.

Fraud targeting conscripts

Scammers have exploited fear of mobilization, since the beginning of the war.

Authorities warn that fraudsters pose as Defense Ministry officials online, offering to “fix” draft records in exchange for money.

Many Russians desperate to avoid the front are falling victim.