The Sverdlovsk Region’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Merzlyakova, posted a statement about the bombing affecting the Belgorod area. She confirmed that three conscripts who had been serving with a railway unit in Yekaterinburg were killed during the attack on Belgorod. The information emphasizes these soldiers had received training prior to their deployment. Merzlyakova noted that a guided missile struck a bus carrying conscripts, resulting in the fatalities, and that seven other soldiers were wounded, with two in serious condition.
Merzlyakova explained that the conscripts were sent to the Belgorod region toward the end of April. She also disclosed that she had written to Valery Gerasimov, who serves as the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia, requesting conscription from the Sverdlovsk region be reconsidered. In her remarks to the portal E1.RU, she stressed that any active recruitment should avoid pulling in individuals who are not adequately prepared for service.
The commissioner stressed that the soldiers who were drafted in this particular situation did not participate in combat operations. Earlier reports indicated that six conscripts were quietly recruited in the Kursk region, and that an explosion occurred in a bunker, leading to fatalities among those recruits.
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about the handling of conscription, training readiness, and the protection of young servicemen during periods of mobilization. Officials have warned that the deployment of underprepared personnel could raise the risk of casualties, especially in high-threat environments. Analysts note that the Belgorod region has repeatedly been a flashpoint, with military activity nearby and the potential for miscalculation during rapid recruitment campaigns.
Experts also point out the broader implications for family members and local communities who must cope with sudden losses. The situation underscores the importance of transparent information, precise verification of deployment orders, and robust training standards before sending conscripts into potentially dangerous areas. In the broader context of regional security, observers are urging authorities to ensure that all conscripts receive appropriate support, medical care, and ongoing oversight during active deployments. The incidents in Belgorod and Kursk serve as a reminder of the human stakes involved in national defense decisions and the need for accountability in recruitment and mobilization processes.