Hybrid Provocations: Russia Will Grant Social Payments to Residents of Temporarily Occupied Territories

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine considered the promulgation of the order of the president of the Russian Federation to grant social benefits to the residents of the temporarily occupied areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as another violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Payments through the Russian portal “Government services” are aimed at continuing the forced integration of the Ukrainian population into Russia’s political, economic, and humanitarian space.

“It is noteworthy that the Kremlin chose the moment for this action amidst the escalation of the security situation around Ukraine’s borders. At a time when our state and partners are making every effort to de-escalate the situation, the new decision by the Russian leadership does not contribute to these diplomatic efforts,” the diplomats noted.

They demand that Russia overturn the decision, stop such hybrid provocations, and refrain from steps that complicate the diplomatic process, primarily in the activities of the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group.

Natalia Tolub