Ukrainian and British intelligence services, as well as a number of experts, believe that a new mobilization of Russian forces for the war in Ukraine could be imminent.
Statements by the Russian authorities now indicate that a new group could risk being sent to war during a new mobilization.
Millions of people from the countries of the former Soviet Union, especially the poorer countries of Central Asia, live and work in Russia.
Many of them have worked long enough to obtain Russian citizenship in addition to – or instead of – their country of origin. If Putin is serious about sending them to war, he can expect trouble, experts say.
– Has a duty
In a long interview with the public newspaper Rossijskaja Gazeta, the head of the Russian investigative commission, Alexander Bastrykin, says that the Russian authorities are also planning to mobilize new citizens for the war.
– By obtaining Russian citizenship, they acquire not only rights, but also duties in accordance with the legislation. One of them is serving in the Russian army, Bastrykin told Rossiiskaja Gazeta.
In the interview, Bastrykin points in particular to migrants from the three countries of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. He claims that 550,000 people have obtained Russian passports in the past five years, including 60,000 in 2022.
“Hardcore coffee specialist. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Devoted internetaholic.”
