Kremlin sees migrant issues as threat to Russia's statehood - ISW
Conflicts with national minorities may harm Russia's stability (Illustrative photo: Andrey Grigorev/Idel.Realii)
Russian authorities continue to consider the conflict between ethnic Russians and minority groups a critical issue, reports the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
During his speech on October 31, Patriarch Kirill, head of the Kremlin-controlled Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (ROC MP), identified issues with migrants and ethnic-religious tensions as key internal threats to the Russian state. Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev, stated that Russia must address its migration issues.
The Institute noted that on October 8, Medvedev proposed implementing digital profiles for migrants in Russia. These profiles would allow authorities to stop foreigners at any time and identify them using electronic immigration or travel documents.
The report emphasizes that Putin is attempting to strike a balance between appeasing the demands of his pro-war ultra-nationalist electorate, which harbors strong anti-migrant sentiments, and the practical need to utilize migrant labor for both economic and military purposes.
Chechnya's leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, announced plans to send 84,000 residents of the republic to participate in Russia's war against Ukraine. He claims that the Chechens will be directed to the front voluntarily.
Previously, the ISW reported that the Russian authorities are utilizing leaders of immigrant and ethnic organizations to form volunteer units that will be sent to fight in Ukraine.
