She says love endures all: Stories of women whose husbands and sons were mobilized

On September 21, Vladimir Putin declared partial mobilization. In the subsequent statement of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, it was said that 300,000 reservists are subject to conscription (this means “about 1 percent of Russia’s mobilization resources”). In the first days after the announcement of the president, both men who served before and women who had medical education came to the fore. Read about it in our exclusive material here, where we collect real stories of women facing mobilization.

About two weeks after Vladimir Putin’s speech, all the soldiers were directed to the training units, where they are currently receiving special training. Many left their mothers, wives, and even some children at home. The Fashion Vibes contacted those whose families were affected by the mobilization and learned how those separated from their loved ones are feeling now.

Natalya, 55 years old

On September 27, my son received a summons. The first sensations are fear and pain. I cried for a long time, I did not understand what to do. But in response to tantrums, I only heard: “Relax, there is such a profession – defending the Fatherland.” Generally, my son is a soldier, but what kind of mother wants to see her child off first? Although in my heart I understand that he is a hero. The next day, we were at the military registration and enlistment office with our belongings. And there were about 100 people like us.

Now it is close to Moscow in the educational unit. You can still use the phone, we call each other every evening. And already when they are taken there, all smartphones will have to be left. I never understood why. Someone says you can’t be tracked, someone says being a military blogger has no appeal. It’s nice that we’re still allowed to see each other. On weekends, layoffs are issued for up to two hours, you can even go to the nearest cafe.

Derya, 26 years old

The call came to the administration of the city where we live. Nikita came for him, signed, and the next day they were waiting for him at the military registration and enlistment office with something. It was suggested to bring toiletries, food for the first day and necessary paperwork. In the minibus, it was learned that all the mobilizations will be brought to the temple along the road before going to the training unit. There, everyone was given pectoral crosses, icons and offered to confess.

We have two children. The oldest went to third grade and the youngest just turned two years old. However, this did not become a deferral from service. In general, no combat experience. At the age of 19, he served in the Ministry of Internal Affairs instead of the army. Of course I believe in the best and I know that we will be together again soon. But I can’t explain to the kids where their father is without tears.

Anna, 47 years old

My husband and I got married at the age of 19, we survived his military service together, then the Chechen war. And as you can see, I was not ready for the fact that in almost 30 years I would have to relive this. We have adult children studying at the institute. Of course, they already understand everything, so thank God I didn’t have to explain to them what was going on. I want to believe that all this will end soon and we will be together again. After all, we swore that we would be together until the end. And my husband is still laughing about it. He says there is no reason to worry.

Svetlana, 48 years old

My son is only away for a week and I’m ready to climb the wall. Even though we call each other every night, it doesn’t make my job any easier. During this time, he received so many calls from friends and distant relatives that everyone supports him as much as he can. But unfortunately only a mother like me can understand me. We met and made contact with some women in the military and enlistment office and formed a conversation in which we supported each other. Someone buys food for everyone and takes them to the training unit, someone helps with medicines. We all share the same pain. Only that somehow makes you hold on and believe in the best.

Elena, 33 years old

To be honest, it’s still hard to believe this isn’t a dream. My husband worked all his life as a doctor, saving people’s lives. He is my surgeon. The notification came straight to work. In addition to him, several more specialists were given, including women. They took paramedics, dentists, surgeons, anesthetists. Now he is still at home, the military registration and enlistment office said that he will be called in the near future. Nobody gave an exact date. I am very sensitive about this. I try to live as before, but I can’t. I cry all the time and my husband calms me down. He says love will endure anything. If there is an advantage in this situation, it is that we are closer than ever before.

If you have any questions about mobilization, we’ve put together all the helpline numbers, as well as official sources you can contact:

122 – hotline for questions about partial mobilization

Questions about partial mobilization of students – helpline of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia: 8 (800) 222-55-71 (extension 1, ext 2) or using the form

Russian National Defense Control Center Helpline: 8 (800) 100-77-07, 8 (495) 498-34-46, 8 (495) 498-43-54

24-hour helpline for relatives of citizens called during partial mobilization: 8 (800) 100-77-07, 8 (495) 498-43-54, 8 (495) 498-34-46

The most frequently asked questions and detailed information about partial mobilization can be found at Description.rf

For questions about improper mobilization, you can contact the federal People’s Front VKontakte and Odnoklassniki.