Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling on Russia’s ethnic minorities to resist being drafted into the military, after reports the Kremlin is disproportionately conscripting men from poorer and more remote regions to fight in Ukraine. In a video addressed to the «peoples of the Caucasus, Siberia and other indigenous peoples of Russia,» Zelensky told potential soldiers they didn’t «have to die in Ukraine.» Zelensky’s appeal follows complaints from activists that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s partial mobilization for his war on Ukraine is targeting ethnic minorities living far from Moscow.
«For 218 days we have been defending ourselves against those who have more missiles and people than us, but who are completely devoid of decency. This is a vile war on the part of Russia, a criminal one. And we do everything for our owners and the independence of Ukraine. This is our sacred duty. This is our duty. Debt to the specified parameters. Duty to children. Duty to all generations of our people — those who lived, and those who will live on our land. We don’t need someone else! Already 58.5 thousand Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine. They came to kill us and kill us. You should not say this number. They lie to you that about six thousand died. 58.5! That’s the truth. They all died because one person wanted this war. Only one. which many people live. Peoples of the Caucasus! All peoples on the territory of Russia! You have no reason to be among the many who still serve the one who wants this war. You must not die in Ukraine. Your sons should not die in Ukraine. You have no such obligations and no such debt. Not before your fathers, not before your children, not before your future, not before your future lands. And you know it.»
Zelensky told them to «fight to avoid death» and to use their freedom now to prevent being sent «to fight in the mountains and forests simply for your right to live.» Calling the mobilization order «criminal,» he said the Russian authorities had covered up their failures in Ukraine.
«And what do you want? I’m sure you want to live,» he said. «I’m sure you’re tired of being lied to.»