Russian Citizens Living in Donetsk and Luhansk Can Be Drafted into Russian Armed Forces

Citizens of Russia residing in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics can, if they wish, be drafted into the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This was stated by Viktor Vodolatskin, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma’s permanent committee on the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian integration, and relations with compatriots.

He added that if drafted, these citizens would serve within the territory of Russia.

Viktor Vodolatskin noted that ensuring security and protecting the Russian-speaking population is one of the main themes of meetings with the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk. They are notably concerned about the prospect of incursions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.