Moldova has reported that its citizens have been detained in Russia to force them to fight in the war

The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned its citizens about heightened checks, interrogations lasting several hours, and instances of coercion to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense when attempting to enter Russian territory. 

According to the ministry, Russian border guards are paying particular attention to men between the ages of 18 and 60, individuals with recently issued passports, as well as those traveling alone, holding Russian citizenship, or who have previously visited Ukraine.

The Foreign Ministry noted that the border screening procedure can last from 3 to 12 hours and may include a polygraph test. Citizens are required to grant access to their personal devices and sign a consent form for the processing of personal data; the interrogations themselves concern professional activities, relatives, attitudes toward the war, and trips to Ukraine. Travelers’ documents are confiscated for the duration of these procedures.

Refusal to comply with the demands of Russian officials may result in administrative penalties, arrest, or a ban on entry into the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that psychological pressure is being exerted on detainees in an attempt to coerce them into serving in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces. Due to security risks, Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged its citizens to carefully weigh the necessity and advisability of any trips to Russia.

Source: Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to a new survey, the overwhelming majority of Russian citizens support ending the war against Ukraine as soon as possible, which is the highest figure since the start of the full-scale invasion.

In addition, according to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), Russians’ level of trust in Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has dropped to 69%—the lowest figure since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine.