Russian Army Forces Ukrainian Civilians into Military Service, 'Mobilization Terror'

Russia is forcing Ukrainians into military service, reports the Ukrainian human rights organization KHPG. Ukrainians under 50 are advised to avoid hospitals and care facilities in Donetsk, warns the Ukrainian resistance movement Žovta strička (Yellow Ribbon). Medical staff in these institutions have reportedly been instructed to provide the names of all men aged 18 to 50 to the Russian military recruitment office.

According to Žovta strička, medical personnel remain silent about the measure out of fear of being accused of 'discrediting the Russian army' or 'obstructing mobilization.' The group advises Ukrainian men who end up in hospitals or report to Russian-controlled institutions not to provide their real addresses. Those found by Russian authorities risk being conscripted into the Russian army and sent to the front lines.

This action violates the Geneva Convention, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention concerning the protection of civilians in wartime. Article 51 states, 'The Occupying Power may not compel protected persons to serve in its armed or auxiliary forces. No pressure or propaganda aimed at securing voluntary enlistment is permitted.'