Kremlin escalates anti-migrant rhetoric to create external enemy
Kremlin portraying migrants as new enemy (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Due to growing internal tension in the country, the Russian regime is increasingly using anti-migrant rhetoric to distract the population from reality, according to a report by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
In particular, it is noted that the State Duma of Russia is currently preparing a number of legislative initiatives aimed at restricting the rights and freedoms of migrants.
First of all, this concerns guests from Central Asian countries who are on the territory of Russia.
"These measures, despite the declared goals of security and demographic stability, are instruments of internal mobilization through cultivating the image of an 'external enemy,'" the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine stated.
Russian deputies propose to:
- Inform law enforcement about foreigners who received emergency medical care without insurance;
- Deport foreigners who take part in election campaigning;
- Introduce digital registration of migrants;
- Introduce control over migrant families.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine notes that the technological aspect of control is attracting increased attention from Russian deputies and security forces.
"In St. Petersburg, a video surveillance system capable of recognizing the ethnic affiliation of passersby is being tested. Algorithms analyze racial and national features, which makes it possible to quickly respond to the 'concentration of certain nationalities' in public spaces," the report said.
At the same time, the Kremlin's anti-migrant rhetoric is increasingly intertwined with internal propaganda. The latter seeks to shift public attention from the war to the so-called external threat.
"Xenophobia, legalized through legislative initiatives, is turning into a tool of political survival for the regime that is losing control over economic and social stability," the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine summarized.
According to recent initiatives of the Russian government, so-called new citizens of Russia must prove "100% loyalty" to the values and laws of Russia. Otherwise, they will be deprived of their Russian passport.
Also, by June 30, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, on Putin's instructions, must create a "Digital Profile of a Foreign Citizen" — a resource intended to contain data about foreigners entering or leaving Russia.
In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing the revocation of acquired citizenship for "discrediting the Russian army" or for actions that pose a threat to the country.
