2022 mobilization in the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic

The general mobilization in the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic began on 19 February 2022, 5 days before the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tens of thousands of local residents were forcibly mobilized for the war (according to one estimate, up to 140,000 people as of mid-June 2022). The mobilization was accompanied by mass raids on men of military age. In the enterprises of the region, up to 80% of employees were called up, which led to the shutdown of mines and public transport, resulting in the paralysis of city and public services. To avoid mobilization, residents are forced to hide or try to leave the republics. The mobilization revealed numerous problems with the armed forces of the DPR and LPR. Recruits without training and combat experience found themselves on the front lines without adequate supplies: the units lack uniforms, weapons, food, and medicines. One Human rights activist reported a huge death toll among mobilized recruits in clashes with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.