Kathrine Frich
Around the world, conflicts often reshape not only front lines but also the rules that govern property, rights and civilian life.
In contested regions, occupying authorities may move quickly to rewrite legislation in ways that transform people’s homes into political tools.
Such shifts rarely take place slowly, and their impact can last far beyond the fighting itself.
Accelerated lawmaking
Russian lawmakers have pushed forward a measure that enables the mass seizure of housing in territories controlled by Moscow’s forces in Ukraine, according to dialog.ua.
The report says the initiative appears to trace back to the Kremlin and advanced through the legislative process in only two months.
The independent outlet We Can Explain noted that the State Duma approved the bill in both its second and third readings at unusual speed.
It has now been sent to Vladimir Putin for formal approval, and publications close to the process state there is little doubt he will sign it.
The legislation is described as legal cover for large-scale property grabs in occupied regions.
How the scheme works
According to reporting cited by dialog.ua, the document sets out a mechanism already in use in parts of Donbas and southern Ukraine.
Homes are first labeled “homeless,” after which they are reassigned to Russian ownership.
The criteria for declaring a property “homeless” will be defined by local occupation “authorities,” raising concerns from analysts who warn the designation could be applied broadly.
During the second reading, deputies added amendments that reshape the scope and timeframe of the policy.
One change limits the rapid redistribution of Ukrainian housing to the period ending in 2030, which coincides with the conclusion of Putin’s fifth presidential term.
Who receives the property
Another amendment hands responsibility for the acquired housing to the Russian Territorial Development Fund.
This body will be able to sell, lease or discount properties and conduct transactions without competitive procedures.
A further provision outlines who may receive these apartments. The list includes government officials, security personnel, members of the military and municipal workers.
Deputy prime minister Marat Khusnulin has reportedly been assigned to oversee these operations.
The Financial Times and other outlets have previously named him among those benefiting from construction contracts in occupied Mariupol, where confiscations are already under way, including against residents who remained in the city.
Sources: dialog.ua, We Can Explain, Financial Times, LA.
