Russia-Ukraine war: recruitment of Central Asian citizens a serious problem that needs urgent attention

Russia-Ukraine war: migrant workers targeted for recruitment.

Russian authorities have postponed the next wave of mobilisation of Russian citizens, trying to reduce the loss of human resources and, most importantly, the risk of a mass discontent inside Russia. Such risk is quite realistic, as the Russian population is against this war with brotherly people and does not want to take part in it on the frontlines.

In this situation, Russian authorities have turned to migrant workers from Central Asia, trying to recruit them for participation in the “special military operation”.

Immigrants from Central Asia are an easy target, as many of them have no work permit in Russia and also violate other immigration rules. They fear Russian law-enforcement and special services and would never openly protest the authorities’ attempts to sign them up for the war in Ukraine.

Moreover, Russian private mercenary companies — such as the Wagner group — now try to recruit citizens of Central Asian countries (not migrant workers) via Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek social-media segments.

Media reports on numerous attempts of Russian agents to lure Central Asian citizens to the war in Ukraine have appeared, and the facts of the matter have been confirmed by Britain’s Ministry of Defence in an intelligence update (September 3rd).

Authorities in all countries of Central Asia now need to cooperate and exchange information in order to resist the threat of such recruitment.

The fight against recruitments and Russian war propaganda requires strengthening the citizens’ awareness of the risks and legal consequences of their participation in the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as toughening the punishment for such actions.

Participation in military activities abroad violates the criminal codes of many countries, and there are cases when Central Asian citizens have been handed lengthy prison terms in their home countries for being a mercenary abroad.

This happens partly due to the insufficient public awareness work of authorities in Central Asian countries, local media and non-governmental organizations with their population. Stupefied by the glamor of war and promises of large amounts of money, some people do not fully realize the true consequences of taking part in Russia’s aggressive war. 

Recruitment of Central Asian citizens to the Russia-Ukraine war is a serious problem that requires the attention and response of the international community.

Joint efforts are needed to put an end to such practice and protect the citizens of Central Asian countries from the influence of the conflict that threatens the region’s security and undermines international security and stability.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/TheTimesofCentralAsia?mibextid=ZbWKwL

More on the Russia-Ukraine war: https://eutoday.net/?s=ukraine+war