The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has published information about the completion of the passportization process in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Thus, according to Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy, in 2024, the issuance of Russian passports was “successfully completed” in the TOT of eastern and southern Ukraine. At the same time, this statement did not mention the annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which indicates the separation of this region from the general passportization process.
In fact, according to Russian law, after the so-called passportization is completed, all those who have not received an enemy passport will be recognized as “foreigners.” This means that the occupation administration will have a formal basis for mass deportations or other forms of repression against such persons. According to the established rules, “foreigners” can stay on the territory of the Russian Federation for no more than 90 days, after which they can be forcibly deported to the interior of Russia or detained for additional pressure.
Thus, forced passportization is not only a tool of assimilation, but also a way to keep track of the population in the TOT. This pressure tool allows the occupiers to establish the exact number of residents, their age, place of residence and marital status, etc. The enemy also intends to use such data for further mobilization activities. In fact, the Russian occupation administrations are creating conditions for Ukrainians who are forced to stay in the occupation to receive an enemy passport and be sent to the front, or to receive the status of “illegal” with the risk of deportation to the hinterland of an enemy state.
The National Resistance Center emphasizes that forced passportization is a war crime under international law. The occupiers use this tool to repress the TOT population. Despite the difficult situation, we continue to record facts of forced passportization and violations of the rights of Ukrainians in the occupied territories. All perpetrators will be brought to justice in accordance with international and Ukrainian law. After the de-occupation, all illegally issued Russian documents will be recognized as invalid, and citizens who have suffered from the occupiers’ violent actions will receive protection from the Ukrainian state.
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.
