US accuses Russia of forcing Ukrainians to adopt Russian citizenship

The US Department of State-supported Conflict Observatory released on Wednesday a report on the naturalization of residents of Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine, known as passportization.

“The report details a disturbing campaign to compel residents to adopt Russian citizenship. Those who refuse to do so face limited access to public services, employment, and property ownership, with implications for their mobility, health, and livelihoods,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a press release.

“Parents face a grimmer challenge, as children born in occupied parts of Ukraine have limited access to the benefits of formal Ukrainian citizenship.

“Parents who refuse to register their children for Russian citizenship face reduced access to parental benefits. Some parents have been threatened with losing custody of their children and possible deportation to Russia,” Miller noted, citing the report.

Passportization also provides a pretext to further the Kremlin’s imperial ambitions, ostensibly to defend the citizens it claims beyond its borders. “This is a long-standing tactic, as seen in areas that Russia occupies within the internationally recognized borders of Georgia. “State-sanctioned intimidation will not change the facts: every inch of Ukraine’s territory is and will remain Ukraine,” he went on. “Ukrainians living under Russian occupation in Ukraine are – and will remain – Ukrainian citizens. “The United States reminds Russia of its obligations under international law, and we call again on Russia’s leadership to end this illegal war,” he added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency