Russia Sent 10,000 Naturalised Citizens to Fight in Ukraine: Official

In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russian authorities have conscripted around 10,000 naturalised citizens to bolster their military presence in Ukraine. This move highlights the Kremlin's intensifying efforts to recruit personnel for its military operations, a strategy that has drawn considerable scrutiny and criticism, particularly concerning the treatment of Central Asian migrants.

A top Russian official, Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia's Investigative Committee, revealed this figure, adding that the country has been cracking down on naturalised citizens who have failed to register for military service. According to Bastrykin, more than 30,000 individuals who had acquired Russian citizenship were found to have not registered with the military, placing them on a list of potential draftees. This crackdown reflects Russia's aggressive approach to maintaining and expanding its military capabilities amidst a protracted conflict.

The drive to enlist naturalised citizens is part of a broader effort by Moscow to address its military manpower needs. Millions of migrant workers, predominantly from Central Asia, reside in Russia, often taking on low-paid jobs under challenging conditions to support their families back home. In recent years, Russia has streamlined the process for these migrants to obtain Russian citizenship, an attractive option that simplifies the bureaucratic hurdles of living and working in the country. However, this newfound citizenship comes with the obligation to register for military service and, if called upon, to serve in the armed forces.

The pressure on Central Asian migrants to join the Russian military has been significant. Reports have surfaced of intense recruitment efforts and heightened inspections, prompting some naturalised citizens to leave Russia to avoid conscription. Bastrykin acknowledged this exodus, noting that some individuals have "started slowly leaving" as the authorities ramped up their enforcement actions.

This situation is further complicated by rising anti-migrant sentiments within Russia, exacerbated by incidents such as the terror attack on a Moscow concert hall in March, which resulted in over 140 fatalities. The aftermath of this attack saw a surge in raids on migrant workplaces and dormitories, as well as increased calls from politicians for stricter migration controls. Several suspects from Tajikistan were arrested in connection with the attack, fueling xenophobic attitudes and prompting more stringent measures against migrants.

The enlistment of naturalised citizens, particularly those from Central Asia, underscores the complex dynamics at play in Russia's military strategy and domestic policy. The Kremlin's actions reflect a blend of pragmatic needs and coercive tactics, as it seeks to sustain its military operations in Ukraine while managing internal demographic and social challenges. As the conflict drags on, the fate of these conscripted individuals and the broader migrant community in Russia remains uncertain, highlighting the human cost of geopolitical maneuvers and the enduring impact of war.