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From a contact in Russia:
On mobilization in Russia

One of my friends got mobilized recently. He’s a mobile gamedev and a conscientious objector. So he tried to flee his city (Petrozavodsk) and drove to the nearest border (of Kazakhstan) but the seemingly endless traffic jam made him return in despair.

That’s how they caught him and transported to the nearest voenkomat. He couldn’t believe his eyes. There was a WW2 veteran standing in line as a volunteer. Soldiers were given out vatniks sheathed in camo print. Boots with so many holes that they looked like crocs and kits with personal hygiene items that included condoms. Yes, condoms. A Russian analogue of Durex - Gusarskiye so naturally they were also peppered w/ holes - a point of hearty laughter of everyone involved

They were to be transported in cargo section of soviet plane to Ukraine.

They were allowed to “relax” for a few hours before that - i.e get drunk/high out of their minds and listen to the instructions of the Politruk who riled them up by talking about beauty of the Ukrainian woman and prosperity of the average household.

The tattered drunks of all ages were all ears. “Listen up, scum. You’re about to fly first class to a western democracy. So do what you do best: destroy their livelihoods and make them pay for being better than us. We will defile their land because we can. First and foremost, we are Eurasianists. We’ve learned from the best: Mongols, fascists and communists. You don’t need any training - it’s in your blood. No need for fancy gear either. The strongest will survive and bring his enemies to heel” as my friend later recalled speech.

So obviously he was looking for a way to escape this. He stood up and said “I’m gay”. A crazed mob jumped him and beat him bloody. But he smiled the whole time, ignoring broken ribs and bruises. Nevertheless he persisted. He’s going to prison for life for his orientation instead.

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