The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that forced passportization is an element of the repressive policy of the aggressor state regarding citizens of Ukraine who are forced to live under occupation. The possibilities of renouncing Russian citizenship were severely limited, and the Crimeans were virtually deprived of the right to choose. This was reported by the press service of the department.
“The forced passportization is an element of the systemic pressure of the Russian occupation administration on the citizens of Ukraine, which is pre-planned and cynically implemented. Citizens of Ukraine living in Crimea and Sevastopol were virtually deprived of the right to choose. The possibility of renouncing Russian citizenship was severely limited by determining the insufficient number of centers and too short deadlines for accepting rejection applications,”,- the statement said.
In case of refusal of Crimean residents to receive Russian passports, their rights to employment, healthcare, social and retirement assistance were artificially limited. There was a threat of persecution of pro-Ukrainian activists by the occupation authorities. Citizens of Ukraine were forced to obtain Russian passports in order to preserve their dwellings and property on the occupied peninsula.
“Ukraine will protect the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens living under occupation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Crimea is Ukraine”,- the Foreign Ministry emphasized.