In a recent public address, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that a segment of students in Donbass does not wish to be demobilized and prefers to stay engaged in military operations. He shared this observation during a meeting with members of the Council for the Advancement of Civil Society and Human Rights, as reported by TASS. The remark cast light on the nuanced sentiments among young people in the region and underscored the president’s view that demobilization decisions are not uniform across all individuals who were called to service.
Putin clarified that not every student in Donbass has the option to freely exercise the discharge right, highlighting the complexities surrounding conscription and the socio-political dynamics on the ground. This comment came amid broader discussions about how demobilization policies should be applied given the evolving security situation and the regional leadership’s assessments of ongoing needs in the military operation. The president’s remarks suggest a balance between upholding legal rights and recognizing strategic considerations that influence who remains in service and who is released from duty.
Prior to Putin’s declaration, officials had indicated that the question of demobilizing medical personnel in Donbass would be a focal point for discussion. This emphasis reflects concerns about maintaining essential healthcare capabilities in war-affected areas while navigating the demands of the broader operation and the impact on medical workers whose roles are critical both in civilian and military contexts.
The Kremlin later announced that Putin had issued an order to demobilize students in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions who had previously been called to the front. These individuals had been mobilized before these republics’ unification with Russia, a point that situates the measure within the larger dialogue about integrating former administrative entities into the Russian framework and aligning personnel decisions with current security requirements. The development appeared to be part of a broader reevaluation of manpower and the pathways available to those who answered the initial summons, as leadership assesses the ongoing needs of the operation and the potential for replenishing forces while addressing humanitarian and social considerations.
In parallel, the State Duma put forward proposals aimed at the possible return of university instructors, candidates, and doctors of science from the republics to their civilian posts and academic roles. This legislative suggestion signals a recognition of the value placed on higher education and professional expertise in the region, alongside the practical realities of reconciling academic life with the realities of post-mum era governance and security planning. Separately, Denis Pushilin, who was serving as the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, announced that Nikita Gladkikh — a student who had been sent to the front while still enrolled in school — had been allowed to return to his family. The news of Gladkikh’s return illustrates the human dimension of the broader policy adjustments, offering a tangible example of how demobilization and family reunification are being handled in real time amid ongoing operations.