War for the Chosen: How Servicemen Participate in 'Special Military Operations'

Since the beginning of the war, over 100 Russian servicemen have expressed their readiness to be deployed to the front lines, however, the majority have not signed contracts, reports NewsBox.

Since February 2022, 108 Russian servicemen and deputies have indicated a desire to participate in the war in Ukraine. Yet, only 18 of them actually went to the front, and that was primarily to avoid legal repercussions. An additional 62 individuals, who found themselves in combat zones, were able to take advantage of favorable conditions of service. The largest reported group from government officials went in 2022 — 31 individuals.

In 2024, six servicemen and one deputy from the Belgorod region were sent to the front as part of a voluntary unit called "BARS-Belagrod.” However, these individuals did not end up in combat zones, which is characteristic for 49 out of 70 officials who expressed a desire to voluntarily join the war.