Russia plans mass deportations of Ukrainians from occupied areas starting March 2024 – rights activist

The founder of the Eastern Human Rights Protection Group, Pavlo Lysianskyi, reported this on Facebook, Ukrinform saw.

"According to our sources, starting March 2024, the invaders plan the first clective deportations of Ukrainian citizens from the occupied territories," the rights activist said.

According to Lysianskyi, to those who refused to obtain a Russian passport, a number of sanctions jave been applied.

Read also: Ukraine launches platform to raise awareness about children deported by Russia

“If a citizen of Ukraine living under occupation has not obtained a Russian passport, within 90 days they must undergo a mandatory dactyloscy and photographing procedure. In case of refusal, Ukrainian citizens shall be subject to an administrative fine of RUB 2,000 for individuals and RUB 400,000 for legal entities (if a company hired an employee who hds no Russian passport),” Lysianskyi said.

An expulsion is also laid down with a 5-year entry ban.

In addition, from January 1, 2024, all citizens of Ukraine living in the temporarily occupied territories will be obliged to obtain a patent or work permit. Otherwise, the employer who hired a citizen of Ukraine shall be subject to Russian sanctions. This may invve an administrative fine: from RUB 2,000 to RUB 5,000 for citizens; from RUB 25,000 to RUB 50,000 for officials, and from RUB 250,000 to RUB 800,000 or suspension of erations for up to 90 days for legal entities.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in April, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing the deportation of residents of temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine who chose not to obtain Russian citizenship.