Ukraine Gathers Evidence of Russia’s Illegal Drafting of Citizens in Occupied Territories

Ukraine is collaborating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate cases of illegal drafting into the Russian army in the temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea. The evidence was compiled with the support of human rights organizations, according to Suspilne Crimea on April 2.

Researcher Iryna Sedova from the Crimean Human Rights Group explained the significance of documenting these violations:

“At present, our primary role is to thoroughly document these war crimes, specifically the forced conscription into the occupying army. These documented cases are then transferred to the relevant investigative bodies. One case has already been submitted to the International Criminal Court, and we continue to collect further evidence.”

According to Sedova, Russian authorities have issued at least 18 sentences in the past three months against individuals accused of avoiding military service.

Additionally, details on the number of individuals being conscripted have been classified. Previously, approximately 2,500 individuals were drafted per campaign.

Sedova expressed concerns that these actions could be part of a broader campaign:

“In my opinion, all of Russia’s actions are part of a larger crime that is currently unfolding. This includes efforts to forcibly assimilate Ukrainian children through aggressive propaganda, conscripting them into the military, and deploying them against their fellow citizens. This could be considered part of a genocidal campaign.”

The Office of the President of Ukraine in Crimea has also condemned the illegal conscription. According to official data, since 2015, 583 criminal cases related to draft evasion have been filed in Russian-occupied Crimea, with 274 (47%) of these occurring after the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Most sentences involve fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 Russian rubles (approximately $60 to $600), with some cases leading to repeat convictions or suspended sentences.

Ukrainian authorities have urged the international community, including the United Nations, European Union, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Committee of the Red Cross, and the ICC, to respond urgently to these violations.

Previously, it was reported that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed a decree establishing the routine spring conscription for military service, calling up 150,000 Russian citizens.