As they depart Yakutia, in the Russian Far East, footage has surfaced showing men who have been mobilised in Russia receiving goody bags from the local authorities.
During the video, which was shared by the BBC’s Francis Scarr, the men are heard laughing as they view the bag’s contents, which contain a chocolate bar, sanitary pads, and a first aid kit.
In recent weeks, Ukraine’s advances in the east have exposed fundamental problems within the Russian military, including gaps in its intelligence and power struggles.
And as fighting continues there has been a drive to recruit more soldiers for the front line.
Local authorities in Yakutia are handing out goody bags as they bid farewell to mobilised men
They contain a first aid kit, a chocolate bar, and sanitary pads (apparently a makeshift bullet wound dressing)
“I was expecting ballistic eyewear at the very least” the man jokes pic.twitter.com/vIne6oviTe
— Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) October 7, 2022