By In a significant development, Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the continuation of strikes against Ukraine, revealing that migrants are being enlisted into the Russian army. The enlistment of thousands of migrants has prompted curiosity among Sri Lankan agents, who are exploring potential opportunities to exploit the situation. Sri Lankan soldiers, renowned for their battle-hardened experience in a thirty-year conflict against the Liberation Tigers, are being considered for participation in the ongoing conflict.
Allegedly, Russian officials have initiated the forced enlistment of suspected illegal migrants, with reports suggesting that over 3,000 people were rounded up in St Petersburg. More than 600 of those detained are said to have violated Russia’s immigration laws by failing to complete compulsory military registration, resulting in their enlistment into the military
Central Asia:
Notably, migrants from Central Asian countries, including Armenia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, are reportedly among those enlisted to fight alongside the Russian army.
Vladimir Putin had previously acknowledged the complexity of managing Russia’s more than 10 million labour migrants, stating that it was not an easy problem to resolve. As Russia endeavours to expand its armed forces, there has been an extension of the age limit for compulsory military service.
While there are reports of Russia facing manpower shortages and accusations of coercive enlistment of migrants, there is no concrete evidence to confirm active recruitment from Sri Lanka or other South Asian countries. A notable number of Sri Lankans, including former military personnel, have joined the International Legion of Defence of Ukraine. Currently, Colombo-based agents are actively exploring alternative routes and possibilities related to Sri Lankan involvement in the conflict.
