Russian electronic draft notices to affect residents of occupied parts of Ukraine – Melitopol Mayor Fedorov

Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov reported that the adoption of the law on the electronic register of persons liable for military service in Russia means the start of mobilization in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

“If earlier mobilization was hidden and residents could avoid it without leaving their houses, now it has definitely begun,” Fedorov said.

The official noted that the mobilization will primarily affect those Ukrainians who have received Russian passports and thus entered the electronic register of the Russian Federation. At the same time, this does not mean that other Melitopol residents are not in danger.

“The law says that the authorities will exchange registers with each other. For example, if our residents go to a hospital in Melitopol and are included in the register, they are immediately included in the register of those who may potentially receive a draft notice,” the official said.

Fedorov emphasized that attention may also be paid to those who received material assistance from the Russian occupation authorities.

“After a year of full occupation, many people have run out of savings, and today the hryvnia circulation has probably stopped by 98%,” the mayor explained.

Fedorov said the only way to avoid mobilization into the Russian army is to leave the occupied region. Over the past two weeks, 2,000 people have left the city.

• Russian troops in the Zaporizhzhia region are trying to build a new defense system by digging large trenches and installing 'dragon teeth.'

• On Thursday, April 13, an explosion occurred in the center of the temporarily occupied city of Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region. Russian media reported that the air defense system was targeting a Ukrainian drone.