In 2024, Russia drafted 5,500 residents of occupied Crimea – official

He shared this information during a conference of the Ukrainian Representation in Crimea, as reported by Espreso.

Chystikov stated that in 2024, Russia drafted 5,500 residents of Crimea into its military. This brings the total number of people mobilized since 2022 to 20,000. Around 500 Crimeans have faced prosecution for refusing to serve in the occupying forces.

Chystikov also mentioned that more than 1,000 cases have been filed in Crimean courts under Russia’s new law against "discrediting the Russian army," with 950 sentences already handed out.

In addition, Russian security forces have been transferring prisoners to facilities deeper within Russia. Over 40 Crimean political prisoners have been moved to prisons in Russia, with at least 14 relocated this year alone, often to places 3,000 kilometers away, making it nearly impossible for their families to visit. More than 60 Crimean political prisoners urgently need medical attention. In total, Russia is illegally detaining 218 Crimeans, including 132 Crimean Tatars, Chystikov reported.

• On November 21, Nariman Dzhelyal, First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and a former political prisoner, reported that over 60 Crimean political prisoners need urgent medical care. Two have already died in Russian prisons due to neglect.