**Russia Illegally Drafts 5,500 Residents of Occupied Crimea in 2024**
The Mission of the President of Ukraine in Crimea has reported that nearly 5,500 residents of Russian-occupied Crimea were mobilized into the Russian army in 2024. This is not the first time Russia has done this. Since 2014, when it occupied the peninsula, almost 50,000 residents have been forced to join the Russian military.
**Russia’s War Efforts**
Russian forces are experiencing record personnel losses in Ukraine due to their aggressive operations. Despite these losses, Russia has avoided doing a full-scale mobilization, which would likely be unpopular among its own people. Instead, it is finding recruits from volunteers, migrant workers, and residents of poorer regions.
**Crimean Tatars Targeted**
The Crimean Tatar population has been particularly targeted by Russian authorities. Many have been detained, tortured, or even killed for resisting the occupation. As of November 26, 2024, there are currently 218 people illegally detained in Russian prisons, including 132 Crimean Tatars.
**Global Response to Russia’s Aggression**
The European Union is prepared to compensate if the US withdraws from a $50 billion multilateral loan agreement for Ukraine. German conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz has warned against deploying German troops to ensure a ceasefire, saying it would be irresponsible at this time.
**Cyberattack on Gazprombank**
A powerful cyberattack disrupted Gazprombank’s online and mobile banking services. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha strongly opposed any agreements resembling past Yalta or Minsk deals that could legitimize Russian aggression.
**”Third Nuclear Age”**
The head of the UK’s armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, warned about the dawn of a “third nuclear age.” Meduza estimates that Russia is experiencing irreversible battlefield losses, with up to 750 soldiers killed per day.
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