Deserting Russian troops reportedly create a "chaotic, lawless environment" in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Rapidly Deteriorating Security in Ukrainian Territories Occupied by Russian Deserters
Thousands of armed Russian deserters are contributing to a surge in criminal activities in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, according to a report by the Center for National Resistance on Telegram. The security situation in these areas has become increasingly precarious due to the mass desertion of Russian soldiers engaged in the so-called "special operation."
Approximately 49,000 Russian soldiers have voluntarily left their posts since the onset of the wide-scale invasion, equivalent to several full divisions, the report states. Their desertion has led to a deterioration in security, resulting in an uptick in criminal acts such as robberies, assaults, rapes, and murders. The Russian occupiers often try to attribute these crimes to civilians.
The deserters, who are frequently armed, pose a threat to the local population. There are growing calls for international human rights organizations to address the severe degradation of security in these territories.
Sweden Strengthens Controls in the Baltic Sea to Counter Russia's "Shadow Fleet"
Sweden is bolstering its efforts to combat Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers that allegedly circumvent sanctions and damage undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish government announced this move, which will see an increase in controls of foreign ships beginning in July.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Accuses Russia of Arrogance
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha accused Russia of arrogance following the speech of the Russian UN representative in the UN Security Council. Russia's use of the highest forums to spread bellicose rhetoric, rather than taking immediate steps to halt killings, was characterized by Sybiha as a "slap in the face" to those working for peace. He emphasized the need for more pressure on Russia and suggested that a tougher approach, including additional sanctions and increased support for Ukraine, would be more effective.
Ukrainian and Russian Forces Continue Clashes as Ceasefire Negotiations Continue
Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, clashes persist, with both sides reporting casualties and damage. The Ukrainian military claims that Russia launched 114 air strikes with drones and missiles on Ukraine overnight, resulting in at least ten deaths and 33 injuries, according to regional and local authorities. The Russian army is reported to have taken control of two villages in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian Paratroopers Capture More Russian Soldiers in Russia
Ukrainian paratroopers have captured additional Russian soldiers on Russian territory. The captures took place in cooperation with neighboring Ukrainian units and involved soldiers who were reportedly subjected to inhumane treatment, psychological pressure, and threats. The captives received necessary medical and psychological assistance.
Evacuation Orders Issued for Eleven Villages in Sumy
Authorities in the Ukrainian region of Sumy have ordered the evacuation of eleven villages due to an anticipated large-scale Russian offensive. The decision was made due to the constant danger posed to the civilian population by shelling of border communities.
Russian Troops Advance in the Regions Around Torez
Russian troops have advanced in the vicinity of the settlement of Dylijiwka north of the occupied city of Torez, and have reportedly launched attacks northwest of Torez towards the communities of Nelipivka and Stepankivka. In the vicinity of the village of Novopavlivka, Russian forces have occupied the settlement of Troyizke, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
More Injuries Reported in Attacks in Ukraine and Russia
Following attacks in the Ukrainian region of Sumy, at least one person was injured and eleven locations are set to be evacuated. In the Russian region of Kursk, the number of injured due to Ukrainian drone attacks has risen to 14, with several residential buildings also reportedly damaged.
Poland Warns of Disinformation Campaign Against Ukrainian Refugees
Russian-linked websites and accounts have been escalating a targeted disinformation campaign against Ukrainian refugees ahead of Poland's presidential elections, attempting to stir up resentment and fear among the Polish population. This campaign has reportedly used AI-generated content to demonize refugees, stoking negative sentiment by referring to them as "pigs" and accusing them of planning armed attacks. Officials have described this campaign as the largest and most complex operation of Russian origin since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine Arrests 21-Year-Old for Espionage
Ukraine has sentenced a 21-year-old to 15 years in prison for allegedly controlling rocket attacks for Russia. The individual, who was not named, reportedly traveled the Ukrainian capital and its surrounding areas on the orders of a Russian intelligence officer, secretly photographing locations of Ukrainian troops. The Kyiv citizen is also accused of preparing attacks in the city on behalf of Russia and was caught red-handed while spying near a military facility.
References:[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/thousands-russian-deserters-create-lawless-zone-occupied-ukraine-center-national-2022-05-17/[2] https://www.dw.com/en/how-thousands-of-russian-deserters-turned-ukraine-occupied-territories-into-lawless-zone/a-61895055
The community and employment policies of international human rights organizations might need to extend their focus to address the severe degradation of security in the Ukrainian territories occupied by the deserter soldiers, considering the rise in criminal activities such as robberies, assaults, rapes, and murders.
The politics surrounding war-and-conflicts, as evident in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, frequently find their way into general news, with recent events including clashes, ceasefire negotiations, and ongoing calls for increased pressure on Russia to bring about peace.
