Anti-War NGO Reports Rise in Forced Enlistments Across Russia
Idite Lesom said it has received a growing number of complaints from individuals who were forcibly detained and coerced into signing contracts with Russia’s Defense Ministry.
Idite Lesom, an NGO that assists Russian men in avoiding military service, has documented a surge in reports of forced enlistments across various regions in Russia. Between August 10th and 18th, the organization recorded 14 cases involving individuals who were apprehended and forced to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry. These incidents occurred in cities such as Krasnodar, Omsk, Arkhangelsk, as well as the Jewish Autonomous Region, Udmurtia, and Buryatia.
According to Idite Lesom, police are apprehending men in public spaces, on streets, and at workplaces.
Detainees have been reported in diverse scenarios, including after high school reunions, leaving supermarkets, and during routine identity or drug checks. In several instances, the men were intoxicated or targeted due to public drinking before being coerced into military service. Ivan Chuviliaev, a spokesperson for Idite Lesom, emphasized that this increase is "significant" and part of a broader trend that began in July.
He suggested that the rise could be attributed to a period of turmoil and uncertainty, possibly due to rumors of an imminent mobilization drive.
The Kremlin has denied any plans for a new draft, with President Vladimir Putin last calling up 300,000 reservists in September 2022, the first mobilization since World War II, which led to public protests and mass emigration. Since then, Moscow has primarily relied on signing bonuses and salaries to attract contract soldiers rather than announcing another nationwide draft.
The resurgence of discussions about another mobilization wave follows Russia's slowed offensive and its struggle to replenish its forces. The Moscow Times, an independent news outlet, has been labeled as an "undesirable" organization by Russia's Prosecutor General's Office, facing criminalization and putting its staff at risk of prosecution.
The outlet asserts that these actions are attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia, claiming their work discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership. Despite the challenges, The Moscow Times remains committed to providing unbiased reporting and seeks support from the public to continue its work.
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