Threat of Evictions Darkens Russia’s Rosy Picture of Occupied Ukraine
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- After Russia's 86-day siege of Mariupol, which destroyed up to 90% of residential buildings, remaining residents face new threats under a Russian law requiring property owners to obtain Russian title deeds.
- Human rights advocates argue the law aims to solidify Russian control over occupied territories and undermine Ukraine's future territorial claims.
- The onerous requirements may lead to mass evictions, with homes potentially confiscated from Ukrainians and redistributed to Russians relocating to the area, worsening an already severe housing shortage.
- Many residents, like Yelena, cannot comply because property registration requires in-person applications, but relatives living abroad, such as her daughter, are often barred from entering Russia for extended periods.
- Human Rights Watch notes that Russia frequently denies Ukrainians access to manage property issues, raising fears of widespread dispossession under the new regulations.
