Russia is reportedly transferring fresh conscripts to within 20 miles of Ukraine’s border

Russian conscripts drafted in the spring are being transferred from outside Moscow to the Belgorod region “to defend the national border,” the relatives of three soldiers told BBC Russia. The Taman Division 1st Guards Motor Rifle Regiment will reportedly be stationed in the town of Valuyki, less than 20 miles from Ukraine. Hours earlier, the region’s governor announced that Ukrainian artillery fire at Valuyki killed one resident and injured two more.

One conscript’s sister told the BBC that commanding officers informed the regiment’s soldiers that they would be replacing men whose service terms are ending. Relatives also complained that conscripts are being pressured to sign military contracts that would allow the Defense Ministry to deploy them to combat zones.