Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the parents of Russian conscripts, stating that "Ukraine does not need new people killed."

"This day, April 1, the occupiers decided to mark with two equally silly jokes. One such joke is about people in Russia. They started the spring conscription, which looks traditional, but is still different from the usual. Because this year's conscripts can be sent to war against our state, against our people. So, this is a guaranteed death for many very young guys. And although they are not our citizens, although they are citizens of the state that is at war with us on our land, it is still our duty as people to warn," Zelensky said in a video message on Saturday night.

"Warn each such conscript, their parents. We don't need more dead people here. Save your children so that they do not become villains. Don't send them to the army. Do whatever you can to keep them alive. At home. At their home, " he added.

He also appealed to all Russian citizens who could hear him.

“The Russians won’t be told the whole truth about this conscription and about the fate of the conscripts. But still, if you can convey the truth to them - do it,” the president said.

In addition, the head of state separately stressed that attempts by the Russian leadership to recruit Crimean residents into the army are a violation of international humanitarian law and, accordingly, a war crime.

"That's why I want to tell the people of Crimea: sabotage this story. At any stage. And if it doesn't work out, don't fulfil criminal orders and surrender to the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the first opportunity. We will understand everything. You will live, " he concluded.