Russian Authorities Mobilize Migrants from Central Asia on Occupied Ukrainian Territories

Russian forces have initiated a recruitment campaign in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine, enlisting illegal migrants from Central Asia into the Russian military.

The first group of such “contract soldiers” has already been reported by the military recruitment offices, according to the Center for National Resistance (CNS).

Initially, migrants from Central Asia were brought to the occupied territories to work in the construction sector. However, due to a slowdown in the construction industry caused by an ongoing crisis in Russia, these migrants are now being coerced into signing contracts with the Russian military.

The CNS states that migrants are being threatened with deportation and a ban on re-entry unless they agree to serve in the Russian Armed Forces. They are promised that they will not be sent to the front lines, although, according to the CNS, this is misleading, as they are ultimately deployed to fight.

The recruitment of migrants from Central Asia is part of Russia’s broader strategy to bolster its military manpower. Earlier reports in November also detailed the pressure applied by Russian authorities on migrants to enlist in the military, with some migrants being misled about their roles in the army.

These measures are being taken as part of Russia’s efforts to replenish its forces, which have been depleted during ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

In addition to the use of Central Asian migrants, Russia has also been seeking to recruit mercenaries from various other regions, including Africa, Asia, and North Korea.