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They want to be prepared for all eventualities: 70 Russian men and women are being trained in a sports club near Moscow.
In September, the Kremlin announced so-called partial mobilization in the war against Ukraine.
Around 300,000 reservists were to be drafted.
How many there really are can hardly be checked.
While public approval of Putin's war of aggression has fallen to just 25% according to the British Defense Ministry, the Kremlin's propaganda seems to be bearing fruit, at least among the participants in the weapons training course.
Vladimir, training participant
"
We're doing military training here.
This can be very useful for us civilians who have not served in the army, should we – God forbid – have to defend our homes in the city.
Or be sent to the front to defend our fatherland.”
Xenia, participant
»
We are in a special operation.
It's unclear what will happen next and who might be sent there.
I think that's why I came here.
Also, this is a big community of like-minded people.
The training is physically demanding - I'm even a bit out of breath now.«
And the so-called special operation is not going according to plan.
Kremlin boss Putin also feels this.
Time for a public appearance that should signal composure.
On Monday, according to images from state television, he had himself filmed driving across the Crimean Bridge.
This was badly damaged in October by an explosion – presumably from the Ukrainian side.
The Kremlin reports that the bridge should be completely restored by July 2023.
At the same time, Russia has far greater worries militarily:
According to Russian information, Ukrainian drones attacked two military bases in southern Russia on Monday.
At least three people died.
The Ukrainian government has not yet officially commented on the attack.
However, it is likely to be the most serious attacks since the beginning of the war in the Russian heartland.
Putin then convened the Security Council.
In line with the propaganda, there is confidence in civilian shooting training despite these setbacks:
Vladimir
»
We have to win the war - and that's why we train.
It's that simple. And we will win.«