Putin is preparing repressions in the occupied territories under the guise of fighting “terrorism” – ISW
At a meeting of the Russian National Security Council on April 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of allegedly threatening civilians in the occupied territories and “terrorist attacks” on collaborators.
This was reported by analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Putin called the strengthening of control over the occupied territories of Ukraine a matter of internal security and the “rule of law”.
He also called for the continuation of the illegal economic, legal, and social integration of the occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions into the Russian Federation.
As for the investigations of the so-called terrorist attacks on collaborators, the Russian dictator called on the occupation law enforcement officers to work more actively, and also wants to involve local Ukrainians in the “law enforcement processes.”
According to ISW analysts, in this way Putin is clearly encouraging collaborators and informants in the occupied territories.
The Institute for the Study of War believes that Vladimir Putin has used statements about “terrorism” and threats to Russia’s internal security to justify repressions inside the country.
This may also create conditions for further repressions in the occupied territories, where similar wording may be used.
Photo: screenshot
