Russians hesitate conducting mobilization in occupied Ukrainian territories, says military expert Kovalenko

He shared this opinion on Espreso TV.

Kovalenko pointed out, "Putin strategically integrated the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine into the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation ahead of the elections. This move aims to showcase the 'special military operation' as beneficial for Russia, creating the perception of territorial expansion and the emergence of new military districts."

Kovalenko underscored the danger for Russia in attempting mobilization in these areas.

 "The FSB of the Russian Federation views the local population in the temporarily occupied territories as unreliable. While they can mobilize individuals in these regions, there are two categories within the local population – pro-Russian volunteers and covert agents. Some inhabitants hate Russia, making the mobilization process risky. Entrusting weapons to those who hate you is a bad idea for them. Therefore, there's a tangible threat for Russia in executing mobilization in these temporarily occupied territories," he stated. 

• On February 7, reports surfaced about plans in Melitopol to establish the first "Junior Army Training Center" at the temporarily occupied territories.
• On the same day, Deputy Serhii Khlan of the Kherson Regional Council observed the occupiers establishing a training camp for "future soldiers of the Kherson region."
• On February 21, Ivan Fedorov, the head of the Zaporizhzhia regional military administration, detailed how occupiers were registering Ukrainians on the military roster in the temporarily occupied territories.