Russia forcibly mobilized thousands of Ukrainians from the temporarily occupied territories: what international law says
The Russian Federation has forcibly mobilized Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories, which constitutes a violation of international law. Since the beginning of the armed conflict, from February 2022 to July 2025, 46,327 Ukrainians have been mobilized. These actions represent a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the forced mobilization of the population in occupied territories.
Moreover, the occupying authorities are involving children in paramilitary organizations, such as 'yunarmiya', which raises serious concern among the international community. The Ukrainian authorities are actively working to rescue children from the temporarily occupied territories and urge adults who find themselves under occupation to do everything possible to avoid conscription into the Russian army. These actions underline the need to protect human rights and comply with international humanitarian law in times of armed conflict.
Concerns of the international community
The issue of the forced mobilization of Ukrainians in occupied territories raises serious concerns among international organizations, which call for adherence to international law. Violations of human rights and the involvement of children in military activities highlight the importance of international cooperation to ensure security and protect the population in conflict zones.
Further actions by the Ukrainian authorities and the international community may prove crucial in the fight for the observance of human rights and the cessation of violence against the civilian population.