In a troubling development, recent reports have unveiled severe and abusive tactics employed by Russia to pressure migrants from former Soviet republics into military service.
Subjected to Inhumane Conditions
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), human rights activists and lawyers have raised alarms over the harsh treatment of these individuals, who are often coerced into signing contracts with the Russian military under duress.
The ISW report indicates, according to Ziare that migrants seeking Russian citizenship are subjected to inhumane conditions, including deprivation of food and water, physical assault, and electric shocks.
These measures are employed to force them to enlist in the Russian military, particularly following a significant terrorist attack on the Crocus Hall concert venue in March. Sources cited by the ISW report highlight that migrants’ phones are confiscated and they are subjected to various forms of mistreatment to secure their enlistment.
Loose Citizenship or Join Military
Russian authorities are reportedly threatening naturalized citizens with loss of their Russian citizenship if they refuse to join the military for a two-year contract. This approach aims to use citizenship as a coercive tool, encouraging enlistment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The report arrives shortly after Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, proposed a new legislative measure tying Russian citizenship to mandatory military service. Under this proposal, individuals would be stripped of their Russian passports if they do not serve in the military. Additionally, the Kremlin is considering raising the age of recruitment for soldiers, further intensifying its efforts to bolster military ranks.
