Russia Reportedly Grants Police Power to Raid Homes in Occupied Ukrainian Territories Over Passport Refusal

Russia has reportedly passed a law that allows police to enter the homes of Ukrainians in temporarily occupied territories who refused to accept Russian passports, according to a statement by the National Resistance Center  (CNR) on January 2.

“Under the guise of ‘state control over migrants,’ Russian police are granted the authority to access homes and other premises where such ‘foreigners’ reside. In reality, this targets individuals labeled as ‘migrants’ who have refused to exchange their Ukrainian passports for Russian ones,” the Center’s press release stated.

According to the Center, the law is set to take effect on March 5 of this year.

“The Kremlin is intensifying its repression of Ukraine’s civilian population. As of January 1, 2025, the occupiers have stripped basic rights from Ukrainians who refused to change their citizenship,” CNR added.

Previously, the CNR reported that starting from January 1, Ukrainians in temporarily occupied territories who have refused to accept Russian passports “have been stripped of all their rights.”

According to the Center, Ukrainians in temporarily occupied territories who previously received free medications can no longer access them.

“This primarily impacts individuals with cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and diabetes. Without a Russian passport, they are forced to buy essential medications,” CNR wrote. “However, purchasing life-saving drugs in the occupied territories is nearly impossible. When available, their prices are often double or even triple the market rate.“

According to the Ministry of Education of Ukraine, despite risks, around 44,000 children in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories continue to find ways to study online through Ukrainian schools, preserving access to their national curriculum.