This alleged “colonization plan,” discussed at a forum dubbed “Integration-2025” in Rostov-on-Don, envisions doubling the current population in occupied regions, which, optimistically, stands under five million.
According to Petro Andryushchenko, an advisor to the exiled mayor of Mariupol, Russia would bring in new settlers to meet its five-million target. “They will bring them from Russia,” Andryushchenko wrote on Telegram on Sunday.
He questioned the practicality of the scheme, arguing there is insufficient existing infrastructure for such a dramatic population spike.
In addition to relocating Russians, Moscow has also employed Central Asian workers for rebuilding efforts in the war-torn areas—a strategy that has at times led to forced frontline service.
Andryushchenko disputed local occupation authorities’ claims on current populations, pointing out contradictory figures in official statistics. He reported that only 600 apartments have been identified as ownerless and thus available for confiscation.
Residents of Mariupol, now under Russian control, have appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin for housing assistance after their homes were destroyed in 2022’s heavy fighting. The occupying authorities said they would not construct additional housing or provide compensation.
Russia formally declared the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions in late 2022 following “referendums” that Ukraine and Western governments consider illegitimate.
Russia continues to occupy nearly all of Luhansk and a majority of Donetsk, but Ukrainian authorities view the Kremlin’s resettlement plans as another attempt to solidify control over seized territories.
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Source: Kyiv Post