Russia is turning the temporarily occupied Donbas into a recruitment base, forcing Ukrainians to fight against their own country. According to the Center for National Resistance (CNR), local residents with large financial debts are offered an “alternative” to repayment—signing a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry.
This practice of forced mobilization is applied across all temporarily occupied territories. From these areas, Russia not only conducts offensive operations against Ukrainian-controlled lands but also launches ballistic missiles and Shahed-type kamikaze drones.
“Voluntary” under an ultimatum
The CNR reports that in Donetsk, people with debts are being deliberately pressured to sign contracts, which are presented as “the fastest way to resolve financial issues.” Formally, this choice is referred to as voluntary, but in practice, it leaves no real alternative.
“Effectively, this is an ultimatum in a hopeless situation: either the front line or financial ruin,” the Center for National Resistance emphasizes.
Militarization of occupied territories
This is not limited to bank loans. Occupation authorities use fines, penalties, and any debts that people cannot pay to push them into service in the Russian army.
The CNR stresses that the occupation authorities are achieving two goals at once: reducing social tension caused by debts and replenishing the ranks of the Russian army through coercion.
