Right now in Russia the fine for not showing up after receiving the mobilization subpoena (or explicitly refusing the receipt thereof) is 3000 rubles, i.e. ~$50. Not being home when they deliver it has no consequences AFAIK. There were some reports of police checkpoints at subway stations etc but again, that's just for subpoenas - one can refuse to take it, or take it and still choose to not go. There is no criminal penalty, not for the subpoena part anyway.
However deserting after being mobilized (i.e. after you show up as requested by the subpoena and pass the medical exam etc) is a crime. It's also a crime to not show up for the annual draft. This is where it gets a bit murky, because draftees are not supposed to be sent to foreign wars but now that Russia proclaimed the annexations it's no longer "foreign" and never was officially a "war"... Draft starts today, remains to be seen how that goes.
I'd say the mobilized cannon fodder are more idiots than slaves. $50 seems like a good deal for staying alive. On the other hand, the promised salary of $3000 per month is A LOT of money in most places in Russia outside of Moscow / St. Pete. So... greedy idiots?
There is something here that does not match. If it is that easy as simply saying "I refuse this suspiciously camouflaged-tinted envelope which reads "Ministry of Defence - Recruiting section" why are people flying right after the draft is announced? What would you say about the news about people fleeing to avoid the draft? They do not have the 50?
There may be people who may simply not know that they can just not go to the office?
Switzerland has a civil service time for all their men. It's almost the same as a draft for war or any other purpose.
...
Switzerland does not have any permanent army, except those clowny guys that "protect the Pope" since centuries ago... and with same weapons as centuries ago. So, yes they do have to spend a few summers training and the like. However, I am yet to see the Swiss Federation sending any soldiers to a war in another country. I am sure you get the difference.
US effectively did so during Vietnam, I am sure you remember the backslash and the social unrest. Why would you think this is different... well, is not, is equally bad. However, there are a couple of things that do not make sense:
- We are not in the fifties. People do not accept blindly to be sent to die unless they are really convinced or they are pro soldiers.
- Modern armies are not based in numbers of poorly trained soldiers, but in less people with much better training and knowledge. For each person fighting, there is nearly one other on the logistics, preparation, training and support.
Hence, I still believe that sending people to the front that would rather not go, for a war that is not defensive, is similar to slavery.