Russia Mandates Ukrainian Residents in Occupied Territories to Obtain Russian Citizenship

In a recent decree from President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian citizens residing in occupied territories in Ukraine face a critical deadline to decide their future. By September 10, they must legalize their status or leave the country. This move primarily targets those in the eastern and southeastern regions of Ukraine, which were annexed by Russia in late 2022, and who have yet to accept Russian citizenship.

The decree indicates that these individuals, who are now considered foreigners in their homeland, must undergo health screenings for infectious diseases, drug use, and mental health issues by June. This requirement is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to reinforce its claims over these regions.

The situation mirrors earlier actions taken by Russia following its annexation of Crimea in 2014. There, the introduction of Russian citizenship was portrayed as voluntary; however, those who refused faced various forms of harassment that jeopardized their employment and property rights, creating an environment of fear and suspicion.

In the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk "people's republics," the simplified path to Russian citizenship was aimed at undermining Ukrainian authority in these areas. Just as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his term in 2019, Putin offered Russian passports to residents in the Donbas region, thus complicating Zelenskyy's efforts for peace.

The ongoing war, which escalated in February 2022, has categorized Ukrainians differently within Russia, creating distinctions between refugees from annexed territories and those displaced from active conflict zones. Human rights advocates argue that the new decree imposes significant challenges for Ukrainians who fled conflict but did not migrate from annexed areas.

Ukrainians from regions that remain under Russian control face heightened scrutiny and difficulties in securing legal residency. While individuals from annexed regions have a clearer pathway to citizenship, those with previous ties to Ukraine encounter barriers in employment opportunities and legal recognition.

Furthermore, entry into Russia has become increasingly unpredictable for Ukrainian passport holders, who are restricted to limited border crossings and subjected to prolonged questioning upon arrival. Reports indicate that many Ukrainians are denied entry despite having valid documentation, and some face long-term travel bans.

The Russian government is also implementing demographic policies to cultivate a loyal population in these regions. As local populations dwindle due to war and displacement, Russian officials, educators, and military personnel are resettled to reinforce state presence. In cities like Mariupol, which has seen significant civilian casualties, claims of a population of 300,000 primarily consist of new settlers rather than returning residents.

This recent citizenship initiative underscores the aggressive tactics employed by Russia to solidify its control over these territories, reflecting a broader strategy to integrate occupied regions fully into the Russian state.