Russia is increasing pressure on Ukrainians in occupied areas, Ukrainian officials say.
KYIV, Ukraine — As Ukrainian forces step up their assaults behind enemy lines ahead of an expected counteroffensive, Russia is imposing stricter measures on civilians in occupied areas of Ukraine, Ukrainian officials say.
Russian occupation authorities have “reinforced” counterintelligence units and are restricting travel between towns and villages, the Ukrainian military high command said on Tuesday, following efforts to Russify and punish dissent in areas of Ukraine under Russian control.
The moves come after the Kremlin last week decreed that anyone in occupied areas of Ukraine who did not accept a Russian passport could be relocated from their homes — an edict that has been sowing confusion and fear among Ukrainian residents, according to the Ukrainian military and local officials. On Monday, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner urged Ukrainians living under Russian occupation to get Russian passports for their own safety, calling it a matter of survival.
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