The Families Of Russian Conscripts Are Afraid That Their Sons Will Be Sent To Ukraine

Numerous reports have claimed that Russian soldiers have been sent across the border into eastern Ukraine to bolster the efforts of pro-Russian separatists. Maxim Zmeyev / Reuters

Sergei Chernov, Moscow Times: Conscripts' Relatives Fear They'll Be Sent to Ukraine Amid Alleged Coercion

WNU Editor: For the past 6 months rumors that Russian conscripts are being forced to go and fight in Ukraine have dominated Russian social media .... and more so among families who have members in the military. This concern is justifiable .... the Russian public is overwhelmingly against the idea of getting actively involved in the Ukraine conflict .... but everyone believes that Russian soldiers are involved even though Moscow continues to deny such claims. This is the political culture in Russia .... always expect the worse .... and always be skeptical of what the government says .... and with the Ukraine conflict now escalating .... everyone is expecting the worse. On a personal note .... among my many cousins in Russia .... all of their kids have done their tour ... no worries there. But among my many friends ... two have kids that are slated to start their tour this summer. I know their parents extremely well, and I was not surprised when both families told me that  have already told their sons to be very careful on what they sign.