Desperate to rescue their sons and husbands from the front lines in Ukraine, Russian women are putting pressure on the Kremlin in the latest sign of the spreading discontent caused by the war.
The scattered efforts by wives and mothers took off after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered 300,000 reservists called up on Sept. 21, forcing the authorities to pay attention. Regional governors have met activists and promised to help, and Putin is planning to hold a session of his own with them as early as this week.
As the war grinds into its ninth month, Putin’s efforts to shield his population from the costs of the fighting are wearing thin in spots and the Kremlin is racing to reduce the impact where it can. Authorities are promising cash and other benefits for families of those called up and pledging to make sure they’re properly equipped and taken care of.