Penza Oblast residents report forced military recruitment manhunts

Reports from the Penza Oblast in Russia indicate that men are being abducted from streets, homes, and government offices to be forced into signing military contracts for the war in Ukraine. Since mid-June, residents in towns such as Penza, Kamenka, Kuznetsk, and Bashmakovo have reported mass manhunts involving police, Rosgvardia, and individuals in civilian clothing.

In response to these allegations, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has denied conducting forced recruitment. Authorities claim that police are merely performing legal duties regarding suspected criminals and have accused local residents of obstructing arrests and spreading misinformation. The Ministry also stated they are investigating potential cases of individuals impersonating police officers.

Local communities have attempted to resist these actions; in Bashmakovo, a group of over 300 people formed to warn others about the arrival of suspected recruiters. While independent media and residents report widespread coercion through threats and force, Russian officials maintain that these reports do not reflect reality.