Ukraine Condemns Russia’s Decree Forcing Ukrainians to Leave Occupied Territories

On March 21, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) responded to a recent decree issued by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which requires Ukrainian citizens in occupied territories to either leave or “legalize” their status in Russia by September 10.

According to Ukrainian officials, this decree violates at least three key international legal agreements.

During a briefing on March 21, MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi stated that the decree contradicts the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, specifically:

• Article 49, which prohibits the forced transfer or deportation of civilians from occupied territories.

• Article 47, which classifies the forced relocation of civilians as a serious war crime.

Additionally, Tykhyi emphasized that the decree breaches the Hague Convention on the Laws and Customs of War on Land, as well as a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.

The spokesperson described the policy as part of a broader pattern of forced deportations and pressure on Ukrainian citizens, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights.

“This decree is yet another step in Russia’s ongoing campaign of discrimination, coercion, and forced displacement of Ukrainian citizens,” Tykhyi said. “We consider it a legally void act that seeks to undermine the rights of Ukrainians in occupied territories.”

Previously, it was reported that Putin ordered Ukrainians without legal grounds to exit Russia by September 2025.