New cannon fodder: Russia wants to fight Ukraine with migrants
30 July 2024 08:59
The Russian authorities are increasing pressure on migrants and newly naturalised citizens in an attempt to use them to replenish military forces in the war against Ukraine. This is reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its report of 29 July 2024, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to the ISW, the Russian government is taking a number of legislative measures to recruit migrants for military service. The head of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, has proposed to oblige newly naturalised Russian citizens to register for military service immediately after receiving a Russian passport.
The Duma is also considering amendments to increase the period of military service for newly naturalised citizens from one to two years and plans to raise the conscription age for this category of persons.
In addition to legislative initiatives, the Russian authorities are resorting to harsh methods of coercion. According to the Russian opposition publication Okno, law enforcement officers illegally detain migrants, depriving them of food and water. Detainees are subjected to physical violence to force them to sign contracts for military service. The publication claims that almost all detained migrants agree to sign contracts under pressure.
The Russian authorities use a dual tactic: they threaten to deprive naturalised citizens of Russian citizenship if they refuse to serve in the military and promise to grant citizenship to migrants in exchange for their agreement to join the army. Raids against migrants have become more frequent since the terrorist attack at the Crocus City concert hall in March 2024.
ISW notes that these actions are part of the Kremlin’s broader strategy to use migrants and ethnic minorities to make up for military losses in the war against Ukraine. Experts emphasise that such methods violate international law and human rights.
Meanwhile, Russia has boosted the DPRK’s economy with its defence orders.
