Russian MP for United Russia party explains why parliamentarians are not mobilised: going to front is the easiest decision

Wednesday, 21 September 2022, 17:34

IRYNA BALACHUK — WEDNESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2022, 17:34

Dmitry Vyatkin, a member of the State Duma [lower house of the Russian parliament] for United Russia [Edinaya Rossiya, Russia's ruling political party], tried to explain why parliamentarians are exempted from mobilisation. He said that to go and fight is the easiest thing to do.

Source: Russian service of BBC news agency

Quote from Vyatkin: "Sometimes it seems that walking away from solving problems here [in the State Duma - ed.] and writing a statement and going to the front is probably the easiest decision. But behind us, behind all our parties, there are citizens who live an ordinary peaceful life."

Details: Vyatkin says that Russia is living in two realities today: the reality on the front and that of peaceful life, where there are holidays and fireworks, and "entertainment venues are full of people".

Quote from Vyatkin: "Nevertheless, we have the duty and responsibility to convey the importance and crucial nature of today's situation to everyone we can talk to, whom we can reach."

Background:

  • On 21 September, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilisation. Plans are to call up 300,000 reservists.
  • Members of the State Duma and members of the Federation Council are exempted from mobilisation.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!