The designation “military special operations while the world is dealing with an invasion war could boomerang for Russia. Yes, because if it’s not a real conflict, you can escape the fight. In a short cycle of propaganda and legal sophistication, Russian forces preparing to attack in eastern Donbass must contend with defectors and rejections. Also in elite groups, like those of the paratroopers. 60 people gave up in the last few hours and disciplinary proceedings were initiated. Some have been fired, others face charges of desertion or disobeying an order. But most have relied on a lawyer following the lead of the 12 members of the Russian National Guard in Rosgwardia, Khakassia. As Il Messaggero explains, Putin’s former supporters “led by Captain Farid Chikhov refused to invade Ukraine on February 25 because the orders were illegal.”
Attorney Mikhail Benjash explained how he will oppose the Moscow punishment: “If there is an ongoing conflict, emergency situation or martial law, then the terms of the contract could be changed without the consent of those affected, for 6 months. But since there is no conflict here, there is only a special military operation. And the law says nothing about it. So, you Rosgvardia officer can go to Ukraine, but only if you agree. “
Word soon spread to so many Russian armed forces that fear a mass refusal to leave arms in hand for Ukraine. Another lawyer who follows the “rebels, Pavel Chikov, told about “similar stories in Crimea, in Novgorod, Omsk, Stavropol. They are all seeking legal aid to avoid fighting. Thanks to the “military special operation”.
