Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russian side has not stopped the massive campaign of forced passporting in the temporarily occupied territories.
The enemies of Ukraine call this process ‘caring for the local population’, but in reality, such measures are a criminal instrument of subjugation, control and destruction of the national identity of Ukrainians.
According to international law, the forced imposition of citizenship is a violation of the Geneva Conventions. However, the occupation authorities ignore these principles, resorting to intimidation, discrimination and blackmail to force TOT residents to accept Russian passports.
However, for those who do not want to receive a Russian passport, the occupation authorities are trying to restrict people’s basic rights.
This includes a number of restrictions on medical services, social benefits, etc. Also, without a Russian passport, citizens lose their movable and immovable property.
In addition, the enemy is actively working on the younger population, forcing them to take Russian citizenship.
Thus, the occupation aims to usurp power and destroy identity.
Through passport issuance, the enemy ‘legitimises’ the occupation and presents the TOT residents as ‘citizens of the Russian Federation’ in order to justify their crimes.
At the same time, through passports, the occupiers gain access to the personal data of residents, which allows them to better control them and suppress the resistance of the Ukrainian underground, which continues to work effectively under temporary occupation.
Despite the difficult circumstances in the TOT, the occupation authorities involved in the forced passporting and other crimes will be brought to justice. The Ukrainian state, together with its international partners, is collecting evidence of human rights violations in the TOT so that everyone involved can be fairly punished.
You can stop the policy of the Russian invaders and their collaborators by publicizing their crimes and demanding their international prosecution. You can also participate in rallies in support of Ukraine or donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
