The former president of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj, has accused Russia of treating its ethnic minorities, such as Buryats, Tuvans, and Kalmuks, as “cannon fodder”.

In a video address published on Saturday, Mr Ts.Elbegdorj, who was Mongolia’s president from 2009 to 2017, called on the citizens of Russia hailing from these minorities to not participate in the invasion of Ukraine. Wearing a ribbon in Ukrainian national colours, the former President ensured that he was “one of those who love freedom and peace”.

The former president also recalled multiple past meetings with Vladimir Putin and called on the Russian leader to immediately end the war, because, since the beginning of the invasion “Russia has been drowning in tears. I urge you to stop this senseless killing and destruction”.

Mr Ts.Elbegdorj ensured that Mongolia would accept all members of ethinic minorities “with open arms and hearts.” Buryats and Kalmuks are Mongolian people, while Tuvans are regarded as Turkish tribes, however all these ethnicities are linked by a common cultural background and Buddhist religion.

The former president also called on the already mobilised Buryats, Kalmuks and Tuvans to refrain from “shooting Ukrainians”, whom he called “brothers and sisters”. “Do not kill this country and its freedom!,” appealed Mr Ts.Elbegdorj. He also addressed those who are fleeing Russia: “Run from the brutality, cruelty, and probable death. Tomorrow, you will start freeing your country from the dictatorship,” encouraged.