As of January 1, the Russian occupation administration in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of eastern and southern Ukraine has introduced new restrictions targeting citizens who have not obtained Russian “red” passports. These measures are part of an ongoing campaign of forced “passportization,” constituting a blatant violation of the rights of Ukrainian citizens. The occupation regime has also announced plans to impose further restrictions on those who refuse to accept Russian citizenship.
One of the most significant restrictions is on travel: individuals without a Russian passport are now prohibited from moving freely between the occupied territories and Russia. Additionally, those without Russian citizenship face bans on accessing basic social services and severe limitations on employment opportunities.
Without a Russian passport, people are denied access to essential services such as medical care, social assistance, pensions, child benefits, and employment opportunities. These policies have grave humanitarian consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable segments of the population. Moreover, people without Russian documentation face increased risks of deportation or forced eviction.
The primary goal of these measures is to manipulate the demographic composition of the regions and further entrench the occupation. Forced passportization is a deliberate tool used to coerce Ukrainian citizens, legitimize the occupation administration’s actions, and sever ties between residents and the Ukrainian state.
The National Resistance Center underscores that forced passportization constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. Despite these unlawful actions, Ukraine, with the unwavering support of the international community, continues its efforts to de-occupy these territories and ensure the prosecution of war criminals responsible for such human rights violations.
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.
