Public outcry and opposition from donor-country governments are forcing Russia to expand the geography of its recruitment of “cannon fodder” for the war against Ukraine

Public outcry and opposition from donor-country governments are forcing Russia to expand the geography of its recruitment of “cannon fodder” for the war against Ukraine.

The new region where Moscow is seen stepping up efforts to recruit mercenaries is Southeast Asia. Relevant signals are coming in particular from Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Myanmar, whose citizens have begun appearing in the ranks of the Russian occupying army, South China Morning Post writes.

The scheme by which residents of the region end up in the war is familiar: recruiters target economically vulnerable groups, offering well-paid work in Russia or study scholarships. Victims “take the bait” from such social media ads, and after arriving on Russian territory they find themselves in a deadly trap. They are forced by deception or by force to sign a contract with the Defense Ministry, after which their documents and mobile phones are taken away and they are sent to the front.

Taking into account the experience of countries that have succeeded in opposing the Russian Federation’s criminal practice, the UN is urging the governments of mercenary donor countries to step up public awareness campaigns, warning citizens about the danger posed by Russian recruitment networks.

“States are responsible for identifying these networks and clearly setting out in their legal and regulatory framework provisions that criminalize this phenomenon and allow those involved in it to be held accountable”, said Jovana Jezdinirović Ranito, a member of the UN Working Group on the use of mercenaries.

In light of the fact that the international human rights organization Amnesty International earlier recognized Russia’s recruitment of foreign citizens for the war in Ukraine as human trafficking, this appeal looks more than relevant. The Kremlin’s openly criminal actions must be stopped in the appropriate way.

☝️ We remind citizens of foreign states: taking part in the war on the side of the Russian army carries a high risk of death or serious injury. If someone is trying to recruit you to take part in hostilities against Ukraine, or you have already ended up in the ranks of Russian troops, contact the “I Want to Live” project. We will help you stay alive and surrender safely.

➡️ Save your life and surrender: t.me/kak\sdatsya\bot

The “I Want to Live” project on social media:

😎 FB 🕊 Twitter 📹 YouTube 🥳TikTok🕊Instagram📞Viber 🏢WhatsApp (backup)

South China Morning Post

‘Cannon fodder’ Asians tricked to fight for Russia spur calls for intervention

A group of Indonesians was duped into fighting for Russia, Ukraine says, with other ruses involving Filipinos and Indians.