The Russian occupation administration has introduced yet another tool to tighten control over residents in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT). In the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic”, the occupiers have passed a law establishing “people’s guards”, allegedly tasked with maintaining law and order while assisting the occupation “police.”
In reality, however, these so-called “volunteer groups” serve as an additional mechanism for suppressing dissent, identifying Ukrainians involved in resistance, and increasing pressure on the local population. According to the occupiers, these “militias” will operate under the local branch of Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and will not be officially permitted to carry weapons.
However, available information indicates that these units will primarily consist of Russian law enforcement officers and will be granted expanded powers to monitor civilians, conduct searches, and collect intelligence on residents. This means that Russia’s Federal Security Service and other repressive agencies will gain yet another tool to escalate crackdowns against Ukrainians in the TOT.
The enemy is well aware of the strength of Ukrainian resistance, which is why it continues to implement increasingly severe methods of control. However, no amount of repression can break the will of the people to be free. The resistance movement is only gaining momentum, and Ukrainians remain steadfast in their fight for liberation. They know who their land belongs to — and they are doing everything in their power to reclaim it.
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.
