Russia Has Recruited at Least 88,000 Residents of Occupied Ukrainian Territories Into Its Military, Rights Group Reports

At least 88,000 residents of Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories have been officially integrated into Russia’s military system and recognized as participants in the war against Ukraine, according to the Eastern Human Rights Group, UATV English informs.

The organization cited data from Russia’s PSB Bank, which reported issuing 88,000 electronic “SVOi” cards in occupied areas. While officially presented as a digital service for participants in Russia’s so-called “special military operation” (SVO), the rights group says the figure provides a rare public indicator of the scale of recruitment from occupied Ukrainian territories.

According to the organization, the “SVOi” card is granted to individuals who have obtained combat veteran status while serving in Russian military formations. The card serves multiple functions, acting as an identification document, a bank card, and a tool for accessing state payments, benefits, and social support programs.

The Eastern Human Rights Group argues that the number of issued cards closely reflects the number of residents from occupied territories who have been incorporated into Russia’s armed forces and formally recognized by the Russian state as participants in the war.

Human rights advocates say the Kremlin is pursuing a dual strategy. On the one hand, Moscow seeks to legitimize the large-scale involvement of residents of occupied territories in military operations. On the other, it is creating a distinct social group whose status, financial benefits, and privileges are directly tied to the occupation administration and the Russian state.

The organization further warned that Russia’s recruitment campaign is part of a broader policy aimed at reshaping the demographic composition of occupied territories. According to the group, the mobilization and recruitment of local men contribute to population reduction while facilitating the settlement of individuals considered loyal to Moscow.

The report highlights the growing scale of Russia’s reliance on human resources from occupied Ukrainian territories as the war continues.

Earlier reports also indicated that Russian authorities have intensified efforts to address personnel shortages through expanded recruitment campaigns, including initiatives targeting female students for contract military service.

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