If everyday life in eastern Ukraine wasn’t difficult enough because of the war that is still raging, the Russian occupiers are making it even more difficult for the locals. This must now be proven by a video shared on social media. In it, a man is given a choice: a Russian passport or death.
The recordings cannot be independently verified, but the Mariupol city council would like to use the video to give an impression of the harassment that is sometimes faced there. The video shows a resident of Mariupol who is said to have diabetes and wants to go to a local hospital to get urgently needed medication for therapy.
But he only comes to the door: insulin is only provided to people who can show a Russian passport, a statement said.
‘People have to make decisions’
“Without a passport, it is impossible to get help, get essential treatment, find a job or move freely. People have to make a choice: either they get a document and have at least some rights, or they die,” said Vadym Boychenko, the mayor of Mariupol, who was elected before the war.
After a three-month conquest, the city is one of the territories previously annexed by Russia. In a much-criticized mock referendum, it was finally decided to join the aggressor.
The pressure on the population is increasing
A decree by Vladimir Putin now stipulates that all residents of the occupied territories will acquire Russian citizenship by mid-2024. That is why pressure is now being exerted on the population in various ways.
From the Russian point of view, “stateless persons” and holders of “passports” of the “People’s Republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk, who do not want to take over citizenship from the occupiers, should only be allowed to live in the affected areas until July 1, 2024 – all others are threatened with this deportation.
The Ukrainians fight back with difficulty
Meanwhile, Ukraine is trying to reconquer its territory little by little. A further cash injection and now uranium munitions delivered from the US should help. The additional aid will help Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian forces “gain momentum,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
The use of uranium munitions is controversial. Opponents criticize the health risks of contact with radioactive uranium dust. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the use of such munitions would lead to an increase in cancer and other diseases, according to the Interfax news agency.
Will uranium munitions turn the tide?
The use of uranium ammunition or DU ammunition (English: depleted uranium) is not prohibited under international law. However, its use is controversial because the metal is toxic – both to the soldiers and to people living in the war zone. Depleted uranium is about 60 percent less radioactive than uranium in its natural state.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
