Russia continues to pressure residents of occupied territories to expedite passportization – ISW

The Russian occupying authorities continue to pressure residents of temporarily occupied territories, trying to intensify the process of forced passportization. One method of pressure is the demand for re-registration of SIM cards using Russian documents. In this way, the Kremlin seeks not only to accelerate the issuance of Russian passports but also to gain full control over telecommunications networks in the occupied regions.The occupiers have also set a deadline for remote registration of mobile numbers by November 1. Educators are being provided with guidelines for teaching 'patriotic' programs that contain information about World War II and Soviet veterans aimed at promoting Russian history.The situation at the prosthetics factory in Luhansk region is symptomatic, where Russian occupiers are forcing students from specialized schools to undergo internships. According to the National Resistance Center, the Kremlin's policy and the war in Ukraine have led to a rapid decrease in the Russian-speaking population in Russia, and many returning servicemen are amputees.