Russian military start spring conscription of Ukrainians in Zaporizhzhia region

"At the end of March, dictator Putin signed a decree on conscription of Russian citizens into military service. There are no exceptions for newly occupied territories in the decree," he said.

Fedorov emphasized that in mid-April, "gauleiter" Balitsky created conscription commissions in the temporarily occupied territories.

"Despite his loud statements that residents of these territories will not be drafted for at least five years, he is now silent. Involving residents of these territories in service in the army of the occupying country is a violation of international law," emphasized the head of the regional administration.

Life under occupation

From reports about the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia, it becomes clear that Russian troops resort to harsh methods of repression against the local population. Their actions are aimed at suppressing the Ukrainian spirit and imposing Russian identity.

For instance, Russian military compelled Ukrainian children to write letters of support to Russian soldiers involved in the war against Ukraine. These actions are propaganda aimed at involving children in supporting aggression.

Russians also compel Ukrainian men from occupied territories to join their army and fight against their own country. This constitutes a severe violation of international law and war crimes.

Russian military aim to erase Ukrainian identity in the occupied territories. They close Ukrainian schools, enforce the use of Russian language in public spaces, and try to impose Russian culture.

The methods used by Russian troops to bind individuals to themselves, how effective they are, and what the Kremlin seeks to achieve are covered in the material by RBC-Ukraine.