Occupants turned Crimea into a mobilization ground

The Russian authorities in the annexed Crimea have intensified their campaign to recruit contractors to participate in the war against Ukraine. Human rights activists report systematic pressure on local residents - from mass mailing of propaganda materials to coercion through administrative cases and "patriotic" events in educational institutions.

This was reported by Krym. Realii.

After the mobilization was announced in the fall of 2022, Russia began to send Crimeans to the front en masse, attracting both conscripts and volunteers, as well as people from the colonies. As the war dragged on, recruitment took on the characteristics of "hidden mobilization," although it was not officially announced in Russia.

According to the Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the ARC, Russian structures changed their tactics and focused on direct contact with potential recruits. Postmen and officials were involved in the distribution of booklets and individual conversations, especially in rural areas. In addition, mobile recruitment centers for contract service appeared on the streets of Crimean cities.

At the same time, according to activists, Russian security forces are using administrative resources: they are looking for reasons to impose fines and criminal proceedings for "violation of land use" or "unauthorized construction." People are convinced that they can avoid problems by signing a contract with the Russian army.

Students are also being recruited. The Center for National Resistance reports that under the guise of "patriotic lessons," universities hold meetings with the military and propagandists. Students are encouraged to take academic leave for service, and educational institutions allegedly pass lists of young people to military enlistment offices.

At the same time, Russia has adopted new rules for conscription - now it lasts throughout the year, making it difficult to leave the occupied territories. Human rights activists emphasize that conscripts in Russia are often forced to sign contracts after they are registered in the military registration system.

The Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the ARC also claims that there is competition between Crimean military enlistment offices and recruiting companies from Moscow, which offer better conditions for service. Because of this, local media have allegedly been banned from publishing advertisements for such agencies.

The exact number of criminals killed in the war against Ukraine cannot be determined. According to media reports, more than 1,500 fallen soldiers from the peninsula have been identified. The Representative Office of the President of Ukraine in the ARC estimates this figure at at least 2,300 servicemen, of whom about 1,300 are likely to be Ukrainian citizens. At the same time, the real losses may be much higher, as most burials are carried out without publicity.

Recently, the prosecutor's office served suspicion notices to 11 men detained by the Ukrainian military in Donetsk region in August-October 2025. All of them are citizens of Ukraine and served in the occupation forces in various roles, from drivers and riflemen to commander and deputy commander.

Анна Літман