English Section

Russian recruitment tactics under scrutiny: reports of blackmail and coercion

01.12.2023 15:00
Recent reports from "Novaya Gazeta. Europe," a prominent independent Russian news outlet, have shed light on alarming recruitment practices by Russian services, raising concerns about the methods used to bolster military ranks.
Russian soldiers.
Russian soldiers. Photo: PAP/EPA/SERGEI ILNITSKY

These practices reportedly include blackmail, deception, and coercion, targeting various vulnerable groups in society.

According to the report, one of the key strategies identified involves the exploitation of financial vulnerabilities. Court bailiffs are reportedly urging debtors to enlist in the army, with the promise of halting all debt collection activities for the duration of their military service.

Moreover, recent labor immigrants who have acquired Russian citizenship find themselves particularly targeted. These new citizens are being coerced to report to the military commission, with reports of police intervention to forcibly lead those who do not comply.

The scope of these recruitment efforts extends to students and budget workers, with organized round-ups reported. These measures indicate a systematic approach to bolster military numbers, often at the expense of young and economically vulnerable segments of the population.

Additionally, Russian independent media journalists have reported that even more marginalized groups, including homeless, addicts, and convicts, are being sent to the front lines, according to Novaya Gazeta.

(jh)

Source: PAP