Russian forces step up raids on Ukrainians who refuse Russian passports

Ukraine's military intelligence said Russian security forces launched a new wave of raids across occupied Ukrainian territories in early October, aiming at residents who have declined to acquire Russian passports. The operations, called "Illegal-2026," were carried out jointly by Russian police and the Federal Security Service. Those without Russian documents are treated as "foreign citizens" and subjected to migration law, which can lead to forced citizenship, expulsion, job dismissal or seizure of assets.

In occupied Luhansk Oblast, authorities examined the paperwork of minors, warning parents that non-compliance could result in fines, jail time or loss of parental rights. The campaign continues a policy that has linked access to employment, social services and property to Russian passport possession since 2014. Earlier phases of the operation in June opened over 300 administrative cases and expelled more than 40 people within ten days.