In the Kherson region, Russians are forcing civilians to join the BARS mobile units

The occupiers have implemented a system of forced integration of the local population into the Russian Armed Forces in the temporarily occupied territories of the Kherson region. Residents of the region are being recruited into the "BARS-Kherson" unit.

This was reported by the Center for the Study of the Occupation.

The Russians are using this unit as an alternative to mandatory military service for carrying out military tasks. “Service” is offered under contracts of varying durations. In particular, mobile groups to counter UAVs are being formed in the Kherson region through BARS.

This model is highly revealing. Through it, Russia is drawing people from the occupied territories into the war without declaring an official mobilization. Formally, it appears as though locals are signing contracts on their own and enlisting as volunteers.

At the same time, people in the occupied territories are being integrated en masse into the all-Russian military registration and conscription system. For example, military registration and enlistment offices are already operating in the Donetsk region, conscripting men aged 18 to 30. In addition, special commissions for forced mobilization continue to operate there.

As Intent reported, due to a new wave of forced mobilization in occupied Crimea, residents of the peninsula—particularly Crimean Tatars—are seeking opportunities en masse to leave the Russian Federation. Human rights activists are urging people to act proactively and leave before they are placed on a wanted list.

Юлія Калабайда