Russia Plans to Establish Military Settlements in Occupied Territories - Human Rights Defenders

The Eastern Human Rights Group has disclosed alarming information regarding the Russian Federation's plans to launch a new phase of colonization in the temporarily occupied Kherson region. This initiative is being presented under the guise of a so-called 'social program,' wherein the occupying authorities intend to distribute land and housing to war veterans participating in the so-called special military operation (SMO). The authorities plan to populate border territories with these veterans, effectively forming a reserve for the Russian army. According to the report, the initiators of this program explicitly state that it is analogous to the Cossack lines of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Human rights advocates emphasize that this strategy leads to the creation of a military-controlled zone at the expense of the civilian population. This is part of a deliberate strategy to alter the demographic composition of the region, aimed at solidifying the occupation by settling areas with individuals loyal to Russia. Consequently, the borderlands are being transformed into a permanently militarized space, raising serious concerns within the international community.

'This is a hybrid military settlement strategy,' highlighted the Eastern Human Rights Group, pointing to the dangerous consequences that may arise from the implementation of this program. They believe that such actions by Russia are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the situation in the region and alter its political course.

Furthermore, as reported by Ukrinform, intelligence sources indicate that the Russian Federation intends to 'resolve' the Belarusian issue through the migration of Russians. This suggests that the Kremlin continues to pursue its plans to change the demographic situation not only in Ukraine but also in neighboring countries.

This information raises alarm among experts and human rights defenders, who believe that such actions could lead to further escalation of the conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in the region. They are urging the international community to pay attention to these issues and take measures to protect the rights of individuals living in temporarily occupied territories.

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