‘No to mo-kill-ization.’ Vesna movement announces protests against mobilization.

The Vesna (Spring) movement called for an all-Russian protest against mobilization, which was announced on September 21 by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The activists are calling on citizens to gather at 7 p.m. on September 21, in the center of their cities.

“Thousands of Russian men - our fathers, brothers and husbands - will be thrown into the meat grinder of war. What will they die for? What will mothers and children shed tears for?” the movement said in a statement.

Earlier, Vesna called on Russian soldiers to refuse to participate in the war and to surrender. This was before the State Duma passed the amendments to the Criminal Code that make voluntary surrender a criminal offense.

On September 21, Vladimir Putin signed a decree on “partial mobilization” in Russia. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, 300,000 reservists will be called up. Mobilization will affect those who have served, have a military specialty, or combat experience.