Russian forces prepare for first military conscription in occupied Zaporizhzhya Oblast – UK intel
Russia is preparing the first military conscription in temporarily occupied part of Zaporizhzhya Oblast since its illegal annexation in September 2022, British Defense Ministry reported in its latest intelligence update on May 5.
According to the report, the Kremlin continues to pursue a relentless Russification policy across occupied Ukrainian territories.
An April 17 decree signed by the Russian-appointed governor of the oblast states that Moscow is preparing the necessary infrastructure and measures for the conscription. It is likely that Russia sees the measures as a way of satisfying it needs for additional soldiers to support its war effort.
The effect of the decree is expected to be limited as a significant part of the population fled the occupied territory. For example, only 40% of the pre-war population remain in Melitopol, the largest city under Russian control in Zaporizhzhya Oblast.
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The decree also seen as a part of a broader campaign by the Russian authorities in the temporarily occupied territories to coerce the population to accept Russian governance, This also aligns with attempts to ensure residents have Russian passports and voted in the recent sham presidential election.
Earlier, on March 18, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) spokesman Andriy Yusov said that after the so-called presidential "election," Russia could conduct conscription more openly.
On March 26, legitimate Ukrainian Regional Military Administration head, Artem Lysogor, warned that the Russians were planning to intensify mobilization activities in the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk Oblast.
Earlier, British intelligence reported that Russia was likely to be able to form two new armies as announced by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, but that the new units would face logistical problems.
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