**Russia Using Migrant Workers as “Cannon Fodder” in Ukraine War**
The Russian military is recruiting migrant workers from Central Asia to fight in its war against Ukraine, with many of these individuals being killed on the front lines. This practice has been reported by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) and has sparked outrage.
According to HUR, citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other countries in the region are being targeted by Russia’s security services. These individuals are often lured into serving in short-term military contracts with promises of fast cash, but they lack legal protections and face coercion. Many of those recruited have been identified as being part of motorized rifle units that were deployed to Ukraine.
The practice of using migrant workers as “cannon fodder” is a disturbing one, where these individuals are sent into harm’s way without adequate support or protection. This not only puts their lives at risk but also exposes them to prosecution in their home countries for serving in a foreign military.
**Russia’s War Efforts Intensify**
In other developments related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow has intensified its pressure on migrant workers. On May 20, Investigative Committee head Alexander Bastrykin announced that 20,000 naturalized migrants had been dispatched to Ukraine for failing to register for military service.
Additionally, Russia launched a significant number of drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type suicide drones, along with two aeroballistic missiles and six cruise missiles. This comes as the Kremlin is under pressure from its own officials about stagnation and looming recession in the Russian economy.
**Ukraine Responds**
In response to these developments, Ukraine has taken steps to counter Russia’s drone attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his country is developing interceptor drones to combat Russian drone strikes. Furthermore, Ukraine has brought home another group of prisoners of war released from Russian captivity, following another prisoner exchange a day earlier.
**Global Implications**
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has far-reaching implications for the global economy and international relations. Ukraine has called on Western partners to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $30 per barrel, while two diplomats told Politico that the escalation of the conflict between Iran and Israel would make it impossible to impose new restrictions.
The article highlights a disturbing trend where migrant workers are being used as “cannon fodder” in Russia’s war against Ukraine. This practice not only puts these individuals at risk but also exposes them to prosecution in their home countries for serving in a foreign military. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, it is essential that the international community addresses the human rights implications of this practice.
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