Russian defense minister inspects reservists training
STORY: Shoigu inspected the tactical and fire training of reservists who are about to face fighting in Ukraine and listened to reports from deputy Defense minister, General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and other military commanders.
Shoigu instructed defense ministry officials to engage seasoned officers in the training process.
On October 4, Shoigu announced that over 200,000 people have already been drafted into Russia's armed forces since President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilization on September 21.
Shoigu added that he planned to enlist 300,000 men with previous military experience to bolster what Russia calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine, where it has suffered a series of defeats in recent weeks.
However, the official decree did not include a figure, and officials are keen to allay public fears that the actual number could be higher, as even pro-Kremlin figures voice concern that people are being recruited indiscriminately.
Tens of thousands of men seeking to avoid the draft have already fled abroad, and the public remains concerned that the mobilization could be expanded.
President Putin acknowledged mistakes in the mobilization last week and said they should be corrected.
