In Russia, men being recruited online for "volunteer mission" in Mariupol

Russia is resorting to new methods of covert mobilization, ostensibly to "provide assistance" to residents of temporarily occupied territories in eastern Ukraine.

That’s according to the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, Ukrinform reports.

A “mechanism of fraudulent mobilization” is being applied in some regions of Russia.

"Yes, several pro-Russian Telegram channels covering the Russian war against Ukraine reported on ‘the recruitment and prompt deployment of volunteers’ to the Mariupol area to help the people of Donbas," the statement said.

Only stress-resistant men over the age of 18 without serious chronic diseases are recruited for the 14-day mission. Persons from this category must bring along their "passport, personal hygiene items, a sleeping bag, and a set of clothes."

Experts don’t rule out that the propaganda effort is among the elements of the mechanism of covert, deceptive mobilization, when a recruit doesn’t realize that he is being deployed to the area of ​​hostilities to directly take part in them.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russia's aggression caused one of the biggest humanitarian catastrophes in Mariupol. The invaders are bombing unarmed residents and blocking humanitarian aid.

Soldiers of the Azov Regiment, Marines, and motorized riflemen continue to defend Mariupol.

Photo: Stringer, Anadolu Agency