Russia steps up raids for men as war demands more troops
Photo: Forced mobilization in Russia (Getty Images)
A new wave of forced conscription of men into the army has begun in Russia. Those most easily intimidated and deprived of a choice are being targeted, according to the Atesh intelligence network.
Who is being forced to join army
According to the movement’s agents, the Kremlin has issued a strict directive to the regions regarding the recruitment of contract soldiers. Local authorities that fail to meet the established quotas have stepped up the efforts of military registration and enlistment offices and law enforcement agencies.
The following groups have been targeted:
- Men with large debts who are listed in bailiffs’ databases
- Former prisoners under administrative supervision.
How is pressure being applied
Atesh claims that such people are being detained en masse and forced to sign contracts with the Russian Armed Forces.
According to the movement, this is being done through threats to open new criminal cases and other methods of pressure.
Why has recruitment intensified
Sources within the movement link this wave to the Russian army’s heavy losses on the front lines and a shortage of personnel.
According to the movement, the current pace of recruiting contract soldiers is no longer sufficient to offset the losses suffered by Russian forces.
What Atesh advises
"If they’re trying to drag you into the army this way, don’t sign anything under threat, and leave the country at the first opportunity," Atesh states.
Forced mobilization in Russia
Reports of street raids and forced mobilization in Russia appear regularly, despite the Kremlin’s official denials.
Residents of Russian cities have repeatedly complained about men being detained near subway stations, shopping centers, and bus stops. Due to the mass raids, residents of Penza and Serdobsk have created a Telegram channel to track the raids.
In response, the local police issued a warning to those who film the raids on video.
Subsequently, the military commissar of one of Russia’s regions publicly acknowledged that raids of conscripts were taking place.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia was preparing an additional mobilization to make up for the army’s losses on the front lines.
