Categories exempt from call-up to be determined soon - Kremlin

The Kremlin has repeatedly said it will not send conscripts - young men serving mandatory 12-month terms in the armed forces - to Ukraine.

 A destroyed Russian tank is seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in the town of Izium, recently liberated by Ukrainian Armed Forces, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine September 14, 2022.  (photo credit: GLEB GARANICH/REUTERS)
A destroyed Russian tank is seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in the town of Izium, recently liberated by Ukrainian Armed Forces, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine September 14, 2022.
(photo credit: GLEB GARANICH/REUTERS)

The Russian government will announce "very soon" which categories of citizens will be exempted from mobilization of reservists with military experience to serve in Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

In comments to reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the possibility of border closures to prevent citizens from evading the call-up after reports of a surge in sales of one-way tickets out of Russia.

Asked whether Russia would close its borders to those who are subject to mobilization, Peskov said: "I can't answer that question ... There are provisions for this in the current laws."

Peskov also said the Russian government would shortly determine which citizens would be allowed to defer a call-up in the new draft.

"I can't answer that question ... There are provisions for this in the current laws."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had said Russia would mobilize around 300,000 new soldiers for the conflict in Ukraine. He said only those who had previously served in the armed forces would be eligible to be called up, while students would be excluded.

A panoramic view of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral and Zaryadye Park in Moscow, Russia, May 12, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA)
A panoramic view of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral and Zaryadye Park in Moscow, Russia, May 12, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/EVGENIA NOVOZHENINA)

The Kremlin has repeatedly said it will not send conscripts - young men serving mandatory 12-month terms in the armed forces - to Ukraine.