In the wake of the devastating attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russian authorities, under President Vladimir Putin’s directive, have initiated a stringent roundup of illegal migrants, specifically targeting those for potential conscription into the conflict in Ukraine.
This action follows closely after the incident which resulted in the death of at least 140 individuals, attributed to a group of attackers identified as Tajik nationals.
The operation saw security forces, alongside military enlistment officers, conducting document checks at a large warehouse operated by online retailer Wildberries in Elektrostal, near Moscow.
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Reports indicate that numerous migrant workers were subjected to this abrupt verification process, leading to the detention of at least 40 individuals under the gaze of armed personnel.
The government’s decision to mobilize migrants for war efforts comes amid heightened tensions and an uptick in xenophobic sentiment, particularly against Central Asian migrants.
The embassy of Tajikistan has issued advisories to its nationals, urging caution and limiting outdoor activities unless necessary.
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Migrants face a dire choice: incarceration, deportation, or conscription into the war in Ukraine, with some expressing fear of involuntary military service despite holding Russian citizenship.
The roundup at the Wildberries warehouse is reportedly just the beginning of a broader initiative to recruit more individuals for the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
The BBC highlights the increasing instances of violence and discrimination faced by migrants, which have escalated following the Crocus City Hall tragedy.
In response to these developments, state and national officials are calling for stringent audits of labor migrants and recent recipients of Russian citizenship.
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This includes prohibitions against hiring foreign workers in certain sectors and demands for a comprehensive review of migrants’ status within the country.
The attack, alongside subsequent actions against migrants, has drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns about escalating racial tensions and the safety of migrants in Russia.
The incident has also prompted discussions on the implications for regional security and the role of foreign nationals in the conflict in Ukraine.
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