Local population in occupied territories by Russia express growing discontent – Center for National Resistance

The Russian occupation authorities have been unable to make any improvements to the socio-economic situation in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of eastern Ukraine for months.

The Center of National Resistance reported that.

According to the available information, many factors caused the growth of discontent among the local population; the main ones are:

• total unemployment, which is due to the arrival of labor migrants from the countries of Central Asia to the TOT;
• constant interruptions of the centralized heating system;
• lack of normal medical care;
• reluctance of the occupation authorities to pay social benefits to residents, especially people of retirement age.

Therefore, the Russians' claims of an enhanced quality of life on the TOT were not fulfilled since the occupying forces had no intention of improving the social and economic conditions in the seized areas.

As Rubryka previously reported, Ukrainians living in the temporarily occupied territories are rejecting the offer of Russian citizenship. Despite the imposed policy of forced passportization, through which the enemy threatens Ukrainians who do not obtain a red paper, the majority of Ukrainians are disregarding the occupiers' attempts. Starting next year, Ukrainians without Russian passports will be considered foreigners in their own country. Currently, anywhere from 60 to 70% of Ukrainians (depending on the region) are declining to receive what they refer to as "enemy waste paper."

Furthermore, beginning January 1, 2024, Russians will implement a restriction on the use of vehicles with Ukrainian license plates in areas currently occupied by their forces. This shows that the enemy is persisting with their practice of coercive identification in the region, as individuals will need a Russian passport to change their license plate numbers. Travel within the occupied territory is only allowed with a pass issued by the occupying administration. All passes are valid until the end of the year, but starting January 1, they will only be issued to individuals who possess a "red waste paper."

The National Resistance Center urges ongoing sabotage of the occupation administration's initiatives as this causes the Russians to delay implementing the ban on Ukrainian movement and employment, thereby halting their attempts at Russification of the TOT.