Russia has intensified recruitment of Ukrainians into its army in the occupied territories, — NRC

Russia has intensified recruitment of Ukrainians into its army in the occupied territories, — NRC

Russia has intensified recruitment of Ukrainians into the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In particular, the occupiers are especially actively trying to recruit “cannon fodder” for the war against our country in the captured city of Melitopol in Zaporizhzhya, resorting to deception.

Against the backdrop of the harsh conditions imposed on Melitopol residents by the invaders, they are attempting to exploit the desperation of the local population to force people to fight against their fellow citizens. This was reported by the National Resistance Center.

The NRC states that in temporarily occupied Melitopol, the occupiers continue to ramp up their campaign to recruit locals into the Russian Armed Forces.

"Business cards, flyers, posters, and billboards calling for enlistment in unmanned systems units are increasingly appearing on the city’s streets, in public places, and near administrative buildings. In their propaganda materials, the Russian army promises large payouts, high salaries, social benefits, training in modern technologies, and service supposedly far from the front line. UAV units are presented as a prestigious option for those who want to work with cutting-edge equipment and earn a stable income," the statement reads.

However, the Center emphasizes that the occupiers have no intention of fulfilling the promised “conditions.”

"According to the NRC, such advertising is merely attractive packaging for recruiting new contract soldiers. Due to significant losses at the front, the Russian army faces a constant shortage of personnel and is seeking any means to replenish its units," officials say.

Russian recruiters are paying particular attention to Ukrainians who find themselves in difficult financial situations due to the Russian invasion and occupation of the city. Against the backdrop of wage delays, economic problems, and lack of prospects, the occupiers are trying to convince residents of the occupied territories that signing a contract with the Russian Armed Forces is supposedly their only way to provide for themselves and their families.

"In fact, unmanned systems units are being used as a showcase for recruitment. People are lured with stories about drones, modern technologies, and high earnings, but after signing a contract they may end up somewhere completely different from what was promised — in regular infantry or assault units that the Russian army is desperately trying to fill by any means," the NRC concluded.