The combat training of the mobilised servicemen was delegated to the local airsoft federation in the Samara Oblast, Russia.

Source: Mediazona, Russian independent online media outlet 

Details: Anton Ptichkin, the head of the local airsoft federation, claimed that 600 people have already trained with the instructors. At least the same number of servicemen are to be trained before being sent to the front in the near future.

Training started in October. As Ptichkin said, the training is conducted by instructors who "take part in the war in Ukraine." He also said that these trainings are conducted at the initiative of the Airsoft Federation, but not at the request of the military. Apparently, it was the initiative of the airsoft players themselves.

Dmitry Azarov, the Governor of Samara Oblast, approved and supported the training.

Quote: "Mobilised servicemen start training with the airsoft players from the units that the military enlistment offices assigned them to. Combat training classes are held at the training grounds of the 2nd Guards Tank Army and at the base of the Airsoft Federation.

Training schedules are coordinated with the commanders of the units. According to Ptichkin, the mobilised servicemen are trained in tactics, providing first aid, evacuating comrades-in-arms under fire, setting up a position, as well as conducting combat operations in rough terrain and urban areas.

It is impossible to assess the quality of such training, but, according to Ptichkin, the mobilised soldiers are even instructed on how to act during mortar attacks.

According to him, newly mobilised soldiers are attacked with airsoft mortars, which are loaded with balls or peas.

Background: On 28 October, Sergei Shoigu, the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, informed Russian President Vladimir Putin that the partial mobilisation apparently came to an end, and that 82,000 conscripts were sent to Ukraine.

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