Russian forces attempt “ruble” occupation of Mariupol – Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council

Kateryna Tyschenko — Monday, 18 April 2022, 18:37

In Mariupol, the Russian occupying forces are attempting to encourage local residents to cooperate by promising compensation for the ruined residences in rubles.

Source: Centre for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine

Quote: "Do not cooperate with the occupants. The compensation is paid only to those who receive fake documents from the invaders. The next step will be forced rejection of Ukrainian citizenship."

Details: State-controlled Russian media report that residents of Mariupol are being offered documents authorising movement, and are simultaneously being encouraged to submit claims for compensation for ruined homes. The media allege that thousands were lining up for these papers.

"In truth, the photos show no more than 20 persons near some building with the occupants’ insignia. The discrepancy between the words and facts were explained by the propaganda machine of the Russian Federation by saying it was "the end of the work day, and crowds were dissipating." says the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine.

The Council suggests that these actions signify an attempt by the Russian forces in Mariupol to conduct a "ruble occupation" of the temporarily occupied territories in order to open up an avenue for further isolation of their residents, similarly to the way it was done in the previously occupied areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.