Putin steps up efforts to force Ukrainians to fight in his army

Russia is stepping up efforts to force Ukrainians in occupied territories to fight for its army as mounting battlefield losses and recruitment shortages strain Moscow’s war machine.

Ukrainian officials say pressure campaigns, detentions and property seizures are now being used to push civilians into signing military contracts with Russia’s defence ministry.

Occupied Cities Become Recruitment Grounds

According to Ukraine’s Center for National Resistance, forced mobilisation has intensified in recent days in the occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

In the port city of Berdyansk, men have reportedly been detained and taken directly to military offices where they are pressured to sign enlistment contracts. Those who refuse face threats of punishment or criminal charges.

At least 17 civilians were allegedly recruited in this way during the past week alone.

Passports First, Military Service Next

Local residents are also being pushed to accept Russian passports — a move Ukrainian authorities say is designed to make forced conscription easier.

Once registered as Russian citizens, men can be legally drafted under Moscow’s military laws. Officials in Kyiv warn the tactic is part of a broader strategy to absorb occupied territories into Russia’s war infrastructure.

Civilian Cars Seized for the Front

Reports from occupied Donetsk suggest authorities are also confiscating civilian vehicles under minor pretexts such as parking violations.

Some owners tracked their cars using GPS and discovered they had been transported towards front-line areas. Attempts to recover them have reportedly triggered accusations ranging from “terrorism” to “high treason”.

A War Machine Scraping for Manpower

Ukrainian officials say the measures reveal the depth of Russia’s manpower problem. With fewer foreign recruits and domestic mobilisation politically sensitive, Moscow is increasingly turning to territories already under its control.

Those who refuse military service may be forced into logistical or administrative roles within Russian-controlled structures.

Legal Red Lines and War Crime Allegations

International law draws a clear boundary. Under the Geneva Conventions, occupying powers are prohibited from forcing civilians in occupied territories to serve in their armed forces.

Legal experts say such actions could amount to war crimes — adding another layer of scrutiny to Moscow’s conduct in the nearly three-year war.

Putin steps up efforts to force Ukrainians to fight in his army

Putin is getting desperate. Some say the Russian army has a drug problem in Ukraine.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/12/drug-use-on-ukraines-front-lines-rampant-among-russian-troops