Russia organized football with captured Ukrainian soldiers and intensifies forced mobilization

Football in Donetsk and forced mobilization

According to Главком: Russian military organized football in Donetsk, forcing captured Ukrainian soldiers to participate, and are also implementing forced mobilization of local residents in occupied areas. A football match took place in temporarily occupied Donetsk with the participation of captured soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The video of the event was disseminated by the Russian channel WarGonzo.

During the football match, captured soldiers were given blue-yellow uniforms with the inscription 'UAF'. The opponents of the Ukrainian prisoners of war were militants from the occupying brigade 'Pyatnashka'. Such actions raise concerns about the conditions in which the prisoners are held and the attitude towards them by the Russian military.

Forced mobilization in the Zaporizhia region

Moreover, the occupying administration is trying to legalize forced mobilization in the Zaporizhia region, specifically in Melitopol. From January 1 to December 31, 2023, conscription to the army in the occupied territories is possible. Residents of Melitopol may receive electronic summons and must appear at the 'military enlistment office' within 30 days.

• Occupation 'military commissariats' were instructed to compile lists of men aged 18 to 50 who are 'fit for service'.
• These actions are aimed at increasing the number of Russian troops in the region, causing concern among local residents and the international community.

These events indicate systematic violations of human rights in the occupied territories of Ukraine, particularly through forced mobilization and the exploitation of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The actions of the Russian military, such as organizing football matches involving captives, not only undermine morale but also expose the brutality of the occupation regime. The international community continues to monitor the situation, which may affect the further development of the conflict in the region.