Russian Man Taken From Street, Pressured to Sign Army Contract, Relatives Say
The reported case comes amid growing evidence that Russian recruiters are using street raids, workplace visits and pressure on vulnerable men as Moscow struggles to attract enough volunteers for its war against Ukraine.
On August 8 in Omsk, a Siberian city, a 31-year-old man named Dmitry S. was taken from the street and pressured into signing a contract with Russia's defense ministry, his relatives claim. The Omsk Civil Association reported the incident, citing his relatives who said the man was seen drinking on a public bench before being restrained by civilians.
His passport and military ID were at home, and he was taken to the Sirius 55 military selection center, where he signed a contract under psychological pressure, relatives said. His relatives sought help from prosecutors but were requested to provide more documents and submit another complaint. The incident highlights Russia's use of coercive methods to attract volunteers for its war against Ukraine, with rights advocates reporting increased pressure on detainees.
The Russian anti-war organization Get Lost says authorities are increasingly resorting to coercive recruitment methods despite offering large signing bonuses. Recruitment has shifted from volunteers to compulsory mobilization due to battlefield losses and higher enlistment bonuses. Ukraine's armed forces face manpower shortages, relying on newly mobilized conscripts.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
