**Russia’s Forced Passportization Campaign Intensifies**
Ukrainians living in occupied territories will lose their basic rights if they refuse Russian citizenship starting January 2025. This is according to the Center of National Resistance, a group that opposes Russia’s actions.
**Loss of Residency and Rights**
People who do not accept Russian citizenship will no longer have residency status and access to essential social services like healthcare and employment. The center says this is a result of Russia’s forced passportization campaign, which is against international law.
**Coercion and Threats**
Local businesses are being pressured by occupation authorities to force employees to get Russian passports. Those who refuse may be fired. In the past, officials in Kherson Oblast used physical violence to make people obtain Russian passports, including public punishments like putting bags over men’s heads and throwing them into ditches.
**No Criminal Responsibility**
Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice says that Ukrainians who were forced to get Russian passports will not face criminal charges for collaborating with the invaders.