Russia could start conscripting women into Ukraine war
Russia could start conscripting women into Ukraine war
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October 28, 2022 2:56pm
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Russia could start conscripting women into its war in Ukraine — as the rogue nation loses control of its ruthless invasion, a Kremlin military honcho hinted.
Russian army Gen. Vladimir Boldyrev floated the possibility as the country loses large swaths of ground in areas first captured after the Feb. 24 onslaught, including a Russian withdrawal from the Kharkiv region.
“If women are called up, then there are many places where they can be used,” Boldyrev, who served as commander-in-chief of Russian ground forces from 2008 to 2010, told local outlet URA.ru last week.
“First of all, they [could be] doctors. The second is the communication centers in the rear. Also rear units, for example, food, clothing, repair, laundries and workshops. This is their main place in wartime,” Boldyrev continued.
But Boldyrev noted that potential female draftees would be thoroughly screened.
“First of all professionalism (is needed). Specialists are called up for their ability to carry out their tasks. Women also must be healthy. Additionally, they require stamina, self-sacrifice, bravery and loyalty to their cause and country,” he said.
State Duma member Alexey Chepa also weighed in, telling URA.ru that Russia should follow Israel’s example by extending compulsory military service to both men and women.
However, a second State Duma deputy, Tatyana, was defiant that women should stay in more traditional roles.
“There is no talk of conscripting women,” she told the outlet.
“This is absolutely not about our history … there is always a male warrior and a woman who is waiting for him, guarding the hearth. Women have always taken a different defense.”
Boldyrev also conceded that recruiting women should only be a “last resort.”
“On the whole, war — it’s not for women. And women would be drafted only as a last resort,” he said.
