Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Russian military forces control most or all of the Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, and parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Following illegal invasions in 2014 and 2022, the Russian Federation claims to have annexed these regions and subjects them to its repressive legislation, in contravention of international law. The occupation authorities severely limit political rights and civil liberties, have silenced independent media, and employ antiterrorism and other laws against political dissidents. Ukrainian citizens have been compelled to adopt Russian passports, with those who refuse facing denial of basic services, intimidation, expropriation, and expulsion from the regions.
Research & Recommendations
Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine*
| PR Political Rights | -2 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 1 60 |
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
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Transnational Repression
