“Save Your Life”
Selenskyj fears forced recruitment by the occupying forces
10/20/2022 8:57 am
The imposition of martial law in the occupied Ukrainian territories gives the Russian administrative authorities more room for manoeuvre. In Kyiv, there are now fears that Ukrainian citizens will be forcibly recruited. President Selensky warns that anyone drafted should try to desert.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged men in the Moscow-held areas under no circumstances to be drafted into the Russian army. “Avoid that if at all possible!” Said Zelenskyj in his evening video speech on Wednesday. Anyone who can leave these areas should do so. Those who have been drafted should lay down their arms and try to desert to the Ukrainians. “Most importantly, save your life and be sure to help others, too!” he said.
On Wednesday, Russian head of state Vladimir Putin declared a state of war in the Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Cherson. Russia claims them for itself in violation of international law and considers the Ukrainians living there as Russian citizens. This increases the danger that the men will be forced to serve in the Russian army and have to fight against their compatriots.
“The hysteria is getting bigger the closer Russia’s defeat approaches,” Zelenskyj commented on the declaration of martial law. “Russia avoided the word war for half a year, punished its own people for it, and now it is itself declaring martial law in the occupied territories,” said Zelenskyy.
With the martial law imposed by Putin comes increased powers for the Russian occupation administration in the conquered territories. Residents can now be forced to work in the defense industry or prevented from traveling.
According to the decree, it is now also possible to officially introduce military censorship, impose a curfew, set up checkpoints or tap private telephone calls. The occupiers can also order arrests for up to 30 days, the confiscation of property and the internment of foreigners.