Olena Zhuk, Head of Zaporizhzhia Regional Council, in a commentary for LIGA.net, spoke about the difficult situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. According to her, the local population faces numerous restrictions and violations of their rights.

"In the temporarily occupied territories, the Soviet system is returning in its worst manifestation... Censorship, total control of behavior on the Internet, wiretapping of phones and conversations in queues are new realities for people who are used to living in a democratic society under the Ukrainian government," she said.

Zhuk also spoke about the coercive actions of the occupiers, which include deprivation of access to medical care, employment and social benefits for those who refuse to give up their russian passports.

"Coercion in all spheres, including the involvement of our people in the enemy army. The occupiers register teenagers, conduct zombie campaigns in schools and colleges, and organize aggressive information campaigns to force Ukrainians to fight against Ukrainians," she added.

Asked about the number of Ukrainians who were forced to join the ranks of the russian army, Zhuk said that there is no exact data. She also mentioned the statement of Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk that after the so-called presidential elections, russian dictator vladimir putin may order the next wave of forced mobilization for the war with Ukraine.