Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
-1 / 100
Not Free
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*
Not Free
-1
100
| PR Political Rights | -2 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 1 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
-1
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
* Indicates a territory as opposed to an independent country.
Overview
Russian military forces as of 2025 controlled most or all of the Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, and large parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Following illegal invasions in 2014 and 2022, these regions were forcibly annexed by the Russian Federation and subjected to its repressive legislation, in contravention of international law. The occupation authorities severely limit political rights, have silenced independent media, and employ antiterrorism and other laws against political dissidents. The rule of law and civil liberties are not respected. Members of an Indigenous minority group, the Crimean Tatars, many of whom vocally opposed the Russian occupation, have faced especially acute repression by the authorities. Ukrainian citizens have been compelled to adopt Russian passports, and those who refuse may be denied basic services or subjected to physical assaults and intimidation, confiscation of property, and expulsion from the occupied regions.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
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.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
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.
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
-1
/ 100
Not Free
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
