Moscow, March 9. Russian-imposed authorities in the Ukrainian region of Zaporizhia, annexed in September 2022, today announced the establishment of popular militias to protect public order and key institutions and industries controlled by Russian forces.

“I signed the decree on the formation of people’s militias of the Zaporizhia region. I consider it a decision dictated by the current circumstances,” the acting local governor, Yevgeny Balitski, wrote on Telegram. imposed by Moscow.

According to the pro-Russian leader, the main tasks of the militias will be to ensure public order and protect the main strategic objectives, in addition to protecting state property and the property of citizens.

“The volunteers will perform their service in the popular militias without disconnecting from their work. The militiamen will train with experienced instructors in the polygons,” he added.

Balitsky, who this week met with Russian President Valdimir Putin, said all elderly citizens of Russia living in the region will be able to join the militias.

The pro-Russian authorities in Zaporijia fear an upcoming Ukrainian offensive and report a concentration of 30,000 to 32,000 soldiers on this front.

“There is an accumulation of forces, and it is obvious, everything indicates that this (an attempted attack) will take place at the end of March or the beginning of April,” said Vladimir Rogov, leader of the “Together with Russia” movement. this country. province.

According to him, at least 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers should be concentrated on this front to go on the offensive.

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