Migrants reportedly being forced to sign contracts with defense ministry to obtain Russian citizenship, 28 August 2023

Rights activists says migrants from Central Asian countries are being pressured into signing contracts with Russia's Defense Ministry as the Kremlin tries to bolster the pool of recruits to help fight its war against Ukraine.

Central Asian-born migrants with or without Russian citizenship have emerged as critical targets of Russia's military recruitment drive. Authorities from countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have warned their citizens to avoid participating in military activities abroad as it violates the countries' criminal codes.

Speaking to the 7X7 Telegram channel, rights activist Tatyana Kotlyar said five migrants recently spoke with her about the recruitment situation, including a migrant from Tajikistan who complained to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and subsequently faced issues with the authorities, forcing him to leave Russia.

"A protocol was drawn up against him for a violation that did not exist," Kotlyar said afterward in a post on Facebook...

Kotlyar said she has filed a complaint to the regional human rights representative over the situation, but has not received a response.

Mikhail Matveev, the deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Regional Policy and Local Self-Government, says lawmakers plan to submit legislation that would further tighten citizenship rules for migrants if they evade military conscription and mobilization...