A pacificist evangelical pastor has fled the far east of Russia after being told he would face years in jail if he refused to fight – despite what he says is ‘a constitutional right not to take up arms’.
The church minister, speaking anonymously via a well-placed source, said: ‘Mobilisation of men into the army is taking place and they are being sent to Ukraine. Previously [only] men who had served in the army before and had experience took part in combat action.
‘But the announcement by President Putin on 25 September was a call to everyone, even those who are over age for the army – 45 years or older, also sick people.
