Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine gives advice to residents of Russian-occupied territories
Denys Karlovskyi – Sunday, 29 May 2022, 22:06
Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, advised the residents of Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine to relocate to the Ukrainian-controlled territories, wherever possible, and to not accept Russian citizenship.
Source: Iryna Vereshchuk on Telegram
Quote: "Without getting deep into legal, political, and emotional issues, as a Minister for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, my advice is:
- Move to Ukrainian-controlled territory. I know that it’s difficult, but you have to try and find ways and opportunities. Because ultimately, it is a question of your safety and that of your children.
- Do not accept a Russian passport. I know that this too can be difficult, but in the long term, Russian citizenship will bring you more problems than benefits."
Details: Vereshchuk explained that the war would most likely last for a long time, but insisted that the Ukrainian government would not concede any of its territories. The minister promised that in the future, the Ukrainian army would reclaim all of the Russian-occupied territories.
Background:
- On 29 May, Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian troops periodically block the movement of cars trying to reach Ukrainian-controlled territory from the territory temporarily occupied by Russia.
- Ukraine’s Presidential Office said that it makes no sense for residents of Russian-occupied territories to accept Russian passports, because the latter are not recognised by the world.
- Militants of the Russian-backed self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics announced that if they take over the entire territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, they would hold a "referendum" on joining Russia.
