Russia moves to widen 'preventive measures' and repression on occupied territories
“Donetsk People's Republic” passport (Photo: Getty Images)
In Russia, a draft law has been proposed that expands so-called preventive measures against the distortion of history, effectively legalizing ideological control and posing particular risks to residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, according to the National Resistance Center.
Lawmakers from the Yedinaya Rossiya party, together with senators, have put forward a new bill that broadens the powers of state bodies to prevent destructive behavior, in effect granting Russian authorities control over citizens’ consciousness.
The initiative is presented as a fight against external influence and destructive propaganda, but in practice, it creates tools for mass pressure on the population.
Expansion of “preventive measures”
The draft law legalizes the idea that any dissent from imposed occupation narratives, criticism of the Soviet–Russian version of history, or refusal to participate in militarized activities may be classified as antisocial behavior or a security threat.
Possible measures include so-called preventive conversations, official warnings, and the permanent registration and monitoring of citizens by Russian authorities.
Threat to residents of temporarily occupied territories
For the population of the temporarily occupied territories, this means increased repression, restrictions on freedom of speech, and mass coercion into displays of loyalty.
The bill establishes a legal framework for repressive control, turns history into a tool of propaganda, and transforms patriotism into a mandatory form of subordination.
Consequences for citizens
The initiative effectively legalizes the practice of ideological occupation and the militarization of society, threatening the complete deprivation of civil rights and freedoms in the temporarily occupied territories, increasing pressure on every resident, and entrenching mechanisms of total control.
Russian administrations, with the support of Russian federal structures, are systematically drawing schools in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine into the militarization of education. Under the guise of updating curricula within the course Fundamentals of Security and Defense of the Motherland, children are effectively being indoctrinated with elements of basic military training, including demonstrations of weapons, equipment, and drone control technologies.
Russian authorities in the Kherson region continue the militarization of children from the temporarily occupied territories by taking teenagers to Russia under the pretext of educational initiatives. Another group of minors was sent to Volgograd as part of the project Pride of the Nation. Path of Development, which is, in fact, used for military training.
