News from Occupied Ukraine: Russian General Killed in Crimea, Eight Children Returned, Millions in Salary Arrears

In Crimea, the situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine remains tense. According to recent reports, Russian General Oleksandr Otroshchenko died as a result of an Antonov An-26 transport aircraft crash that occurred on March 31. This information has been confirmed by sources within the Russian Northern Fleet, as reported by BBC. The aircraft crashed in the mountains of the occupied peninsula, resulting in the deaths of 29 servicemen who were on board.

Oleksandr Otroshchenko, who had been serving as the commander of the aviation corps of the Northern Fleet since 2013, participated in Russian military operations in Syria. Although his death was confirmed by a relative of one of the other deceased, official confirmation of the incident has yet to be provided. A criminal case has been opened regarding the crash under Article 351 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of flight rules.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military forces have reiterated their readiness to fight. On April 1, Ukrainian troops, supported by military intelligence (HUR), struck several Russian military facilities at the Kirovske airfield in occupied Crimea. As a result of the attack, a Russian An-72P patrol aircraft was destroyed, along with a facility used for training strike and reconnaissance drones, Orion. This information was provided by Ukraine's drone systems.

In the territory of the Luhansk region, which is under Russian military control, Ukrainian officials report an increase in the forced mobilization of local residents into the Russian army. Oleksiy Kharchenko, head of the Luhansk regional military administration, noted that since the beginning of April, the number of police patrols in public places has increased, and bus stations have been blocked in several areas. He emphasized that all individuals—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians—are being thoroughly checked, with particular attention paid to those under 30, whom the Russians plan to send on 'meat assaults.'

In the occupied territories, Ukrainians are being forced to obtain Russian passports and register for military service, which in turn allows Russia to conscript them to fight against their own country. Artem Karyakin, a Ukrainian soldier and former partisan who lived in Kadiivka from the time of the occupation in 2014 until 2021, stated that Russia is compelling Ukrainians in occupied regions to fight against their compatriots not only due to a shortage of soldiers but also for much darker reasons.

'In Donbas, unfortunately, many families have a member who has been conscripted into the Russian army and has died at the hands of Ukrainian soldiers,' he noted. The conscription of civilians violates the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law.

On a positive note, the Ukrainian humanitarian organization Save Ukraine reported the return of eight children and teenagers from occupied territories, which took place over the past week. The founder of the organization, Mykola Kuleba, stated: 'Thousands of children remain under occupation. They are forced to be silent, to obey, and they are being prepared for war. But we will not stop.' Among the rescued children is 14-year-old Zoryana, who was separated from her father by Russian soldiers who unlawfully stripped him of his documents and deported him, accusing him of posing a threat to Russia's security.

The situation in the occupied regions remains critical, and Ukrainian forces continue to fight for their land despite numerous challenges. Russia is attempting to consolidate its power in these areas, but Ukrainians are demonstrating resilience and a willingness to fight for their independence.