In a controversial move, Russian forces in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of the Kherson region are reportedly offering coal to residents in exchange for obtaining a Russian passport.
This tactic was highlighted by the National Resistance Center (NRC), which shared details of the situation through a Telegram post.
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According to the NRC, this new strategy aims to persuade Ukrainians in the occupied territories to accept Russian citizenship. The report states that preferential coal distribution is being offered exclusively to those holding a Russian passport. Consequently, residents without such passports, and who are unable to afford fuel independently, face the grim prospect of enduring harsh winter conditions without necessary heating.
The NRC's report comes at a time when many villages in the TOT are living without electricity, compounded by sub-zero air temperatures. The situation is particularly dire for residents who are struggling to find alternative sources of heat during the winter months.
The Russian forces' approach of leveraging essential resources like coal to encourage the adoption of Russian citizenship is seen as a cynical tactic. This strategy not only addresses immediate practical needs but also appears to be part of a broader plan to alter the demographic landscape in the region.
In response to these developments, the National Resistance Center is calling on residents to report the location and movements of enemy forces. The NRC emphasizes the importance of such information in aiding the Defense Forces' efforts to restore warmth and peace to the region as swiftly as possible.
The situation in the Kherson region highlights the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the occupied territories. The use of essential resources as leverage in the conflict raises significant humanitarian and ethical concerns, reflecting the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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