Ukraine: Russia trying to conscript Central Asian citizens

The Russian leadership is trying to create a reserve of occupying troops in Ukraine by involving citizens of Central Asian countries in its army.

The announcement came from the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

“Because of the lack of people willing to fight, the occupiers are trying to recruit citizens of Central Asian countries to the army ... The Moscow region occupies the priority in this matter - to form new army units, the local leadership instructed the employees of the military commissariats and police departments to “conduct campaigning activities” with citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan,” the intelligence said.

In addition to a financial incentive, those who agree to sign a contract and leave to fight in Ukraine are offered to obtain Russian citizenship.

Moreover, the Russian Republic of Chechnya continues to form and train four battalions for joining the war in Ukraine.