Russia is systematically militarising the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine by involving war veterans in the formation of the occupation administration. This is stated in a new report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to analysts, the Kremlin-controlled ‘governor’ of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, held a meeting on 8 May to discuss the implementation of the Sevastopol – City of Heroes programme, which is modelled on the all-Russian initiative Time of Heroes.
As part of this programme, it is planned to massively appoint Russian veterans of the war against Ukraine to senior positions in the occupation structures.
- Already 933 veterans have registered,
- 474 passed the qualification,
- 307 are preparing for final interviews.
The participants who pass the selection will be engaged in service in the occupation administration of Sevastopol, while the rest will remain in the personnel reserve.
ISW points out that similar programmes are also being implemented in Kherson and Luhansk regions, which indicates a deliberate policy of the Russian Federation to strengthen control and militarise the occupied territories.
“The appointment of veterans to public office is part of the Kremlin’s strategy to consolidate power in the TOT and strengthen the influence of military ideology,” the report says.
