When we examine the losses Russia has suffered in the Ukrainian war, it becomes apparent that the majority of the fallen soldiers, including primarily Kazakhs and other Turkish-origin individuals living in Russia, have been affected. Similarly, during the early days of the conflict, a significant number of Chechen militants were sent to the front lines.
In fact, this situation is not something new. Since the era of the Soviet Union, Russia has been intentionally employing a form of social engineering, pushing minorities like Turkish-origin individuals residing within its borders to the front lines during wars. Indeed, during World War II, Russia had conscripted every eligible male from the Turkish Republics. Consequently, the populations in areas inhabited by Turks dwindled, and the demographic structure underwent change. As a result of Russia’s policy, the Turkic regions with altered demographics gradually began to undergo Russification.
Russia’s state system is built upon this policy, and this practice has become a tradition. Through this policy, Russia fulfills its need for soldiers on the front lines while simultaneously pursuing the assimilation of minority regions within its borders.
Written by Umut Guner