How Russia Is Using Passports to Cement Control in Occupied Ukraine- As the U.S. and other nations push for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree intensifying pressure on Ukrainians living under occupation—submit to Russian rule by September 10 or risk severe consequences.
The Kremlin’s Ultimatum
The decree, published on March 20, is part of Moscow’s long-standing campaign to coerce Ukrainians in occupied regions into accepting Russian citizenship. Those who refuse face:
- Loss of legal employment
- Denial of healthcare, pensions, and property rights
- Detention or forced displacement
Despite claims of “deportation,” Ukrainian activists report that many who resist are held in detention centers rather than expelled. “People are simply gathered there, and that’s it,” said Kseniia Yeltsova, co-chair of Helping to Leave, a Ukrainian charity aiding escapees from occupied zones.
Why Is Russia Doing This?
- Legitimizing Occupation – The more Ukrainians accept Russian passports, the easier it is for Moscow to claim these areas as “Russian.”
- Negotiation Leverage – With peace talks looming, Russia seeks to solidify its grip on occupied territories.
- Eliminating Ukrainian Identity – By stripping access to Ukrainian documents, Moscow erodes resistance and enforces assimilation.
Passportization: A Russian Playbook
This tactic isn’t new—Russia has used it in:
- Georgia’s Abkhazia & South Ossetia
- Moldova’s Transnistria
In these regions, locals often hold multiple passports, but in Ukraine, Russia is actively invalidating Ukrainian documents, making life impossible for those who refuse Russian citizenship.
What Happens to Those Who Resist?
Technically, Ukrainians can apply for a residence permit instead of citizenship, but in reality:
- Permits are nearly impossible to obtain
- Many are forced into detention or conscription
- Families are separated
The Bigger Picture
With millions still under occupation, this decree tightens Moscow’s grip ahead of potential peace talks. Ukraine has condemned the move as another war crime, while Western leaders face pressure to respond.
Will the world act—or will Russia’s forced assimilation succeed?
(Sources: Kyiv Independent, Kremlin decree, Ukrainian humanitarian groups)
