Russia’s top defense official says over 200,000 men have already been drafted into the Russian military since President Putin’s call for a partial mobilization two weeks ago.

Russia’s top defense official says over 200,000 men have already been drafted into the Russian military since President Putin’s call for a partial mobilization two weeks ago.

The defense minister added that the men have previous military experience and are receiving instruction at one of 80 training ranges across the country.

Despite Shogui’s claims, multiple reports have come forward of Russian men with no previous military experience receiving call-up papers, resulting in anger from some in the Russian population. Protestors have taken to the streets, with almost all of them being arrested by Russian police. In addition, internal estimates from the Kremlin indicate that between 10,000 and 27,000 men have fled the country in fear of having to serve.