Zelensky Calls on Ukrainians to Sabotage Russian Army If Drafted

Should Ukrainians find themselves drafted into the Russian army, President Volodymyr Zelensky said they should "sabotage" the troops and provide their homeland with intelligence.

“But if you get into the Russian army, sabotage any activity of the enemy, hinder any Russian operations, provide us with any important information about the occupiers – their bases, headquarters, warehouses with ammunition,” Zelensky said.

“And at the first opportunity, switch to our positions. Do everything to save your life and help liberate Ukraine,” he added.

Zelensky made this "simple request" in his nightly address where he called on his nation to stand their ground as Ukraine made unexpected advances against Russia in the battlefield.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military draft this week with plans to enlist about 300,000 new troops to fight Ukraine.

A referendum is also underway for the annexation of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, which was launched by Moscow after it lost some land it took from Kyiv.

Ukrainians, however, said they are banned from leaving the occupied vicinities until voting on becoming part of Russia is over. Russian armed troops are even threatening people in their own homes and workplaces, according to Reuters.

Kyiv's advances against Moscow led to it retaking around 9,000 square kilometers of territory and liberating around 400 settlements, according to Zelensky.