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Russia Plans to Repopulate Occupied Ukrainian Territories With Its Ethnic Minorities
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia is actively relocating members of its indigenous populations to temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine as part of a broader assimilation effort, according to Serhii Haidai, former head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration (2019–2023).
According to Espreso on April 27, Haidai stated that Russia plans to transfer more than 10,000 individuals from small ethnic groups, including Buryats, Yakuts, and Udmurts, to Ukrainian territories under occupation.
He noted that this process is already underway, with local residents in cities and towns across Luhansk region reporting the arrival of these groups.
Haidai emphasized that those being relocated include not only workers but also entire families, who are taking up positions in various government institutions.
Haidai also noted that Russian efforts to rebuild the region appear largely superficial. He stated that although some enterprises are being partially restored, substantial investment needed for full-scale reconstruction is lacking.
“The younger population is leaving, leading to the aging of the local demographic,” he added. “Efforts to showcase rebuilding activities resemble Potemkin villages—cosmetic repairs for appearances, while deeper structural issues remain unaddressed.”
Earlier, Ukrainians living in Russian-occupied territories who refused Russian citizenship were designated as “foreigners” and stripped of basic rights, including access to pensions, healthcare, and employment.
Starting January 2025, those without Russian passports face strict residency limits, higher taxes, and loss of social benefits, according to Human Rights in Ukraine.
