Letters | Russian exodus shows ordinary people are fed up with ‘war of elites’ in Ukraine

Readers argue that wars are the result of an elite agenda, and question the dehumanisation of migrants and of the lives lost in long drawn-out wars or famines

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A group of Russians walk into Georgia after crossing the Verkhny Lars border on September 27. Long lines of vehicles formed at the border crossing after Moscow announced a partial military mobilisation. Photo: AP

Published: 2:30pm, 6 Oct 2022

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Russians have been fleeing their country since President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial mobilisation” order amid major setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine (“Ukraine war: Nearly 200,000 Russians flee call-up to neighbouring countries”, September 28).

According to Putin’s announcement, only those with prior combat or specialised military experience would be called up. But as reports surfaced of the wrong Russians being mobilised, including the sick and elderly, Putin has admitted that mistakes were made in the process.

The Russian exodus is a sign that the war is a focus only among the elite, a product of the conflict between the leadership in Russia and in the West, particularly Nato. Ordinary Russians care more about their livelihoods and rights.

But since the war started in February, both of these have been adversely affected. After Putin launched his “special military operation”, the West imposed heavy sanctions on Russia, putting Russian livelihoods at risk. Now, with the announcement of partial mobilisation and the mistakes made, ordinary Russians’ rights have been violated.

Throughout history, the elite have used propaganda to convince the grass roots that the wars they fight are a fight for the people. In reality, no war is actually fought for the people. Leaders are simply manipulating people to achieve personal political glory.