Ukraine: does Russian law apply to part of the Zaporizhia region?

A Russian soldier patrols the territory of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant on May 1, 2022 (illustration image).

© Andrey Borodulin, AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 mins

Russia would have carried out air strikes and artillery in the region of Zaporijjia, where the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is located, said Tuesday, August 23 the Ukrainian General Staff.

The fear of a catastrophe continues to hover and the Russian occupation authorities seem to act as if the territory actually depended on Moscow.

A document would indicate that certain Russian laws would already apply in the territory.

Advertising

Read more

The American think thank Institute for the Study of War points to this document which would indicate that certain laws of the Russian Federation would already apply on the territory.

The leader of the occupied Zaporizhia region has signed a decree that could have far-reaching consequences.

In this text published on August 19, it is stated that Ukrainian citizens, or those who do not have identity papers, can apply for temporary asylum according to the rules provided for by Russian law.

Decree unclear

While the decree lacks clarity and it is impossible to determine whether this decision in fact obliges all Ukrainian citizens in the area to declare themselves asylum seekers, it clearly marks an application of Russian law in the occupied territories of the Zaporizhia region.

It also serves the Kremlin's propaganda, highlighting the difficulties of Ukrainian citizens in the unoccupied territories, presenting them as victims of persecution in their own country.

For now, the signing of this decree has not been followed by any official statement from Moscow.

While this Wednesday, the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence will also mark six months since the start of the Russian offensive, a meeting of the Security Council is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 p.m. Paris time.

At Russia's request, member countries are to discuss issues surrounding Zaporizhia and its nuclear power plant.

►Also listen: 

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_EN

• Russia

• Ukraine