Russia Seeks to Solidify “russianness” in Occupied Ukraine with New National Policy Strategy
Moscow is intensifying efforts to culturally and nationally assimilate populations in Ukrainian territories under its control, according to a newly unveiled strategy document signed by President Vladimir Putin. The “Strategy of Russia’s National Policy in the Period to 2036,” published this week, outlines a plan to ensure that at least 95% of Russia’s population identifies as ethnically and civically russian by the end of the decade. This initiative raises serious concerns about the future of Ukrainian identity within the occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, annexed by Russia following its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
A Long History, A Fractured Present
The historical ties between Russia and Ukraine are undeniable, stretching back centuries and predating the Soviet era. Historically, a important portion of Ukraine’s population has been bilingual, with Russian widely spoken alongside Ukrainian. However, the 2022 invasion fundamentally altered this dynamic. Public sentiment in Ukraine has demonstrably shifted away from Russia, and the use of the Russian language has considerably declined as Ukrainians increasingly embrace their national identity.
This new strategy, set to take affect in January, explicitly frames the occupation of these regions as a restoration of “historical territories of the Russian state.” It’s a clear indication that Moscow isn’t simply focused on military control, but on a broader project of national reconstruction – one that prioritizes Russian identity and seeks to diminish Ukrainian cultural and linguistic presence.
The Strategy’s Core Objectives: Assimilation and Control
The document details a multi-pronged approach to achieve its ambitious 95% “Russian civic identity” target. Key elements include:
* Promoting the Russian Language: The strategy emphasizes entrenching the use of the Russian language in all spheres of life within the occupied territories.
* Strengthening “Russian Civic Identity“: This involves fostering a sense of belonging to a unified “Russian world” through cultural initiatives, education, and media.
* Countering External Influence: The strategy explicitly targets “efforts by unfriendly foreign states” – a clear reference to Western nations and ukraine - to “destabilize inter-ethnic and inter-confessional relations.” This suggests a crackdown on any expression of Ukrainian national identity or dissent.
* Leveraging Historical Narratives: Putin has consistently questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine as a separate nation,arguing it’s historically and culturally inseparable from Russia. this strategy reinforces that narrative.
Ukraine’s Response and the Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has affirmed Kyiv’s readiness to discuss a US-backed peace plan, but remains wary of any agreement that would require territorial concessions to Russia.The Kremlin, meanwhile, continues to justify its invasion with claims of protecting Russian-speakers from alleged discrimination and “denazification” – accusations vehemently denied by Ukraine and widely dismissed internationally.
Ukraine officially designated Ukrainian as its sole state language following independence in 1991. Kyiv maintains that Russian-speakers have never faced systemic discrimination within Ukraine,and that Russia’s claims are a pretext for aggression. Moscow, however, alleges the rise of “neo-Nazi ideology” in Ukraine since the 2014 Maidan Revolution justifies its intervention.
Implications and Concerns
This new strategy underscores the deeply entrenched ideological underpinnings of the conflict in Ukraine.It’s not simply a territorial dispute; it’s a clash of national identities and competing visions for the future of the region.
The attempt to forcibly assimilate the population of occupied Ukraine raises serious concerns about human rights, cultural preservation, and the long-term prospects for peace.The strategy’s focus on achieving a specific percentage of “Russian civic identity” suggests a coercive approach, potentially involving suppression of Ukrainian language and culture, and pressure on individuals to adopt a Russian identity.
Looking Ahead
The implementation of this strategy will be closely watched by the international community. It’s a stark reminder that even as the military conflict continues, Russia is pursuing a parallel campaign to reshape the demographic and cultural landscape of occupied Ukraine. The success of this effort will depend on a number of factors, including the level of resistance from the Ukrainian population, the effectiveness of international pressure, and the ultimate outcome of the war.
(Images included from the original article are retained for visual context.)
Disclaimer: This article provides analysis and facts based on publicly available sources. The situation in Ukraine is constantly evolving, and interpretations may vary.
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