Russia to Include Ukraine’s Occupied Regions in New Conscription Round for First Time

Russia has decided to include the occupied regions of Ukraine—specifically the areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—in its upcoming conscription round. These regions, which Russia annexed in 2022, will now be subject to the same conscription laws as other parts of Russia. The move is seen as a direct response to the ongoing war and a way to bolster military presence in these areas. The announcement was made by Russian officials, who emphasized the need to strengthen military forces in the occupied territories. The conscription process will begin in October 2023, with an estimated 300,000 new recruits expected to be mobilized. The decision has drawn international criticism, with many countries expressing concern over the humanitarian consequences for civilians in these regions. There are no significant divergences in the reporting of this event across the sources. All outlets confirm the inclusion of Ukraine’s occupied regions in the conscription round as a new development.