Ukraine might announce the mobilization of Russian citizens to participate in defending the country on the side of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, which would become one of the forms of opposition to Russian aggression.
This was stated by Bogdan Yaremenko, the chairman of the NGO “Maidan of Foreign Affairs”, in his interview to “Novaya Gazeta”.
"Ukraine should not break ties with those Ukrainian citizens who remained in the occupied territories. First of all, I repeat, we have to severely reduce the formalities in public services and make centers providing all Ukrainian documents these people need closer to the demarcation line. Needless to say, it hasn’t been done yet," he stated.
According to Yaremenko, Ukraine can also oppose Russia by supporting opposition forces within the Russian Federation, as well as movements that are in favor of changing or democratizing the state structure.
"The creation of a certain political base, which would work on the informational, philosophical and organizational tasks, while its structures would take responsibility for democratic transformations in Russia," he explained.
The expert also spoke about whether Ukraine should forgive citizens who admit and regret their involvement in the occupation.
“Yes, of course, if there’s no blood on their hands and they did not commit serious criminal offenses or act on behalf of occupational authorities. Those who broke the law, but did not kill, torture, or command, would not be sentenced to jail time. They would, however, receive an alternative punishment, such as losing their rights to military or state service, work in the police, courts and local governments, and they would not be able to teach in universities or schools. Their electoral rights would also be suspended,” Yaremenko added.
He noted that in the case of active attempts to return the Crimea or Donetsk and Lugansk occupied territories, there would be many citizens who are afraid of punishment.
“It is imperative to let them know now that here will be no complaints or persecutions if, for example, they acknowledge their participation in the illegal referendum and admit to dissent,” he concluded.
Earlier, "Apostrophe" reported that the Ukrainian journalist Alena Lunkova uncovered the conditions under which Russia would issue passports to residents of the occupied Donbas.