Facing the front: How Russia's minority conscription fuels cultural erasure

Numerous nationalities are represented in the Russian military. Residents of Buryatia believe the swift and poorly managed mobilisation of men, and occasionally women, from Siberia and the country's eastern fringes transcends a mere scramble for additional forces. It also serves Russia's aim to culturally homogenise by marginalising minority groups.

Russia's demographic landscape is remarkably diverse. Though just over 80% of the population identifies as Russian, a significant portion resides in the more developed western regions, notably within urban centres.

Across Russia, over a hundred distinct ethnic groups can be identified, with Russians constituting less than 30% of the population in certain areas, sometimes even less. This diversity includes "ethnic islands" where communities have a measure of autonomy, at least in theory, to govern their affairs.

However, the Russian government's actions reveal that such autonomy is superficial. Indigenous peoples of the eastern territories are forced to align with Russia's overarching strategies, often finding themselves significantly disadvantaged.

The Russian army, which set foot in Ukraine over two years ago, has seen widespread conscription, affecting entire families and communities. This strategy hints at Vladimir Putin's broader intentions.

Speaking to the newspaper Siberia. Realia, a resident of Orlik, the administrative centre of the Okinsky district in Buryatia, shared the harsh reality facing the Tuvan people (also referred to as Soyots), anonymised as Arjuuna for safety reasons. The account presents a heart-wrenching narrative.

In our village, a woman born in 1968 experienced profound tragedy. Despite two marriages and countless prayers and medical consultations, she struggled to have children, finally giving birth well into her 30s to an only child. He pursued an education at the Institute of Mining, later working as a foreman. Tragically, he was conscripted before he could return home from a work assignment, arrested by military forces. Merely two months later, his mother received his remains in a metal coffin. At 56, she's left destitute, mourning the loss of her sole child.

The grievances against the authorities extend further. Officially, promises were made that the families of the deceased or missing would be spared from mobilisation to preserve family integrity. However, reports have emerged of up to eight identical surnames from a single household appearing on draft lists.

A few have sought refuge abroad, escaping potential death on the battlefield, while a minority have joined the military voluntarily. The term "Putin’s Buryat warriors," coined after the events in Bucha, is met with confusion and resentment by many. This name tags soldiers from the Republic of Buryatia, implying their eager participation in the most severe and inhumane military duties. However, many are merely forced to the front lines, their deaths overlooked. Desertion is severely punished.

The strategy to conscript individuals from Russia's peripheries serves multiple objectives for Putin.

Firstly, it spares ethnic Russians from mass conscription. Secondly, it allows Putin to target independent-minded ethnic groups that could pose future threats to his regime, effectively cleansing without direct involvement.

Initially, the arrival of "cargo 200" [a term used for transportation of deceased soldiers] prompted formal memorials, with local administrators in attendance. However, as the number of casualties surged, the publication of obituaries ceased, and the narrative shifted towards denial, branding all reports as fabrications. This systematic neglect is tantamount to the genocide of Russia's indigenous people. We're indiscriminately sacrificed, as lamented by Arjuuna.

The predicament worsens for those listed for conscription yet reluctant to serve. They face coercion, with threats lobbed against their families, thus "simplifying" their decision to comply.

Individuals earmarked for military service are plucked from their daily lives and coerced into signing contracts under the threat of severe repercussions. Refusal is met with dire warnings: "Refuse, and you'll be imprisoned, as will your wife. Your children will be taken into care, and you'll be sent to the front regardless," as reported by Belsat, citing a local's experiences.