State Duma deputy Alexander Khinshtein recently revealed that Serbian mercenary Alexander Yokich, who fought in Ukraine on Russia’s side, is facing deportation from Russia as he is not being granted citizenship. The reason cited is that he signed a contract with the “DNR” (Donetsk People’s Republic) instead of the Russian Ministry of Defense. However, Senator Alexander Voloshin from “DNR” mentioned that the citizenship issue is being handled by Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed leader of the occupied Ukrainian region.
Serbian activist Dejan Beric, who has been recruiting volunteers for Russia in Ukraine since 2014, highlighted the challenges faced by Serbs serving in the 199th Airborne Regiment of the Russian VDV. They are reportedly mistreated, forced to purchase their own equipment, and sent into battle ill-equipped, facing accusations of espionage.
In a conversation with Sonja Biserko, the founder and president of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, The Insider delved into the motivations of Serbs joining the fight in Ukraine despite mistreatment by the Russian forces.
Biserko pointed out that propaganda encouraging Serbs to join Russian military formations is disseminated in Serbia through Russia Today Balkan:
“An article promoting recruitment by the Wagner PMC was published on the Russia Today (RT) portal in Serbian on January 5, 2023.
The article titled ”Wagner publishes advertisement for volunteers, conditions are more than enticing” outlines the benefits of joining the war effort, military training, and potential earnings. However…
Original source: theins.ru