Russia legalizes repressions against Ukrainians in occupation without Russian passports
Photo: Ukrainians without Russian passports are now considered migrants (Getty Images)
Russia has adopted a law allowing police to enter the homes of Ukrainians in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The law is set to take effect on March 5, 2025, reports the National Resistance Center of Ukraine (NRC).
Under the new legislation, Russian police will have the authority to access residences and other premises as part of so-called state control over "foreigners." However, the measure is specifically aimed at individuals labeled as "migrants" who have not exchanged their Ukrainian passports for Russian ones.
As early as 2024, the NRC warned that Ukrainians in occupied territories who did not obtain Russian passports would be classified as "migrants" starting in 2025.
Notably, since January 1 of this year, Russian forces have deprived the basic rights of Ukrainians who refused to change their citizenship.
For instance, residents can no longer receive medications and are forced to purchase them instead. Even so, access to medicine remains challenging. When available, prices are often several times higher than the market rate.
