A senior federal law enforcement official has reported that Russia has sent 10,000 recently naturalized citizens to fight in Ukraine due to Moscow’s manpower shortage. Male migrants who obtain Russian citizenship are legally required to register with the Russian military and can be called up to serve in the army during mobilization. Alexander Bastrykin, who heads Russia’s Investigative Committee, mentioned that they have caught over 30,000 individuals who received citizenship but failed to register with the military, with approximately 10,000 of them being sent to participate in the special military operation in Ukraine.
Bastrykin described military registration and deployment as a “trick” that has caused migrants to gradually leave Russia. He made these statements during a law forum in St. Petersburg, noting that video of the session was broadcast live and the Ostorozhno Novosti Telegram news channel shared his remarks. The official clarified that the 10,000 naturalized citizens sent to Ukraine are primarily involved in digging trenches and constructing fortifications, indicating that they have not been assigned combat missions. Bastrykin also pointed out that in the first four months of 2024, 3 million migrants arrived in Moscow and St. Petersburg alone, prompting him to call for stricter laws to limit these numbers.
In response to this situation, a plea for support from The Moscow Times has been issued, as the independent news source has been labeled as a “foreign agent” by the Russian government. This action is seen as an attempt to silence their voice and undermine journalism integrity. Despite these challenges, the journalists at The Moscow Times are determined to continue providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. However, they require support from the public to maintain their critical mission, with donations starting from $2 a month. The reminder has been set to prompt individuals to support independent journalism and uphold the values of free press.
The revelation that Russia has deployed 10,000 naturalized citizens to participate in the special military operation in Ukraine sheds light on the country’s strategies to address its manpower shortage. The mandatory military registration requirement for male migrants obtaining Russian citizenship plays a significant role in this process, highlighting the legal framework that facilitates this deployment. The efforts to catch those who fail to register with the military demonstrate the government’s commitment to enforcing these regulations and ensuring compliance among new citizens.
The message from Alexander Bastrykin about the impact of military registration and deployment on migrant workers underscores the complexity of migration policies in Russia. The statement that these measures have led to a gradual exodus of migrants from the country suggests the effectiveness of such tactics in managing the migrant population. However, concerns about the influx of 3 million migrants in Moscow and St. Petersburg within a short period raise questions about the need for tighter laws to regulate migration. The call for support from The Moscow Times emphasizes the essential role of independent journalism in providing information and holding authorities accountable.
Overall, the situation involving the deployment of naturalized citizens to Ukraine, combined with the challenges faced by independent news sources like The Moscow Times, reflects the broader landscape of political and social issues in Russia. The interactions between migration policies, military mobilization, and media censorship highlight the complex dynamics at play within the country. As efforts continue to control the movement of migrants, uphold journalism integrity, and navigate geopolitical tensions, the need for transparency, accountability, and support for independent voices remains crucial in promoting a free and democratic society.
