The UK Ministry of Defence revealed Russia intends to impose a Russian identity and language on occupied Ukrainian territories, per its 2036 national policy strategy, while Ukraine strikes Russian infrastructure with drone raids.
UK MoD Reveals Russian Plan to Impose Russian Identity in Occupied Ukraine
According to the latest UK Defence analysis, Russia plans to “instill Russian identity and increase the significance of the Russian language” across territories it occupies in Ukraine. The strategy involves imposing Russian language, culture and symbolism on residents.
British intelligence notes that Russians view entire areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Crimea as part of the Russian Federation, making no distinction between occupied and non‑occupied zones.
New Russian National Policy Strategy 2036 Highlights Russianisation
The strategy, signed this week by President Vladimir Putin, contains six sections and 61 points. It states that implementing the policy will preserve the historically forged unity and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation, its internal stability, harmonious development and welfare of its peoples.
It specifically states the goal is to “strengthen the identity” of occupied regions with Moscow and presents Russianisation as a legitimising element of Russia’s presence.
Ukraine Responds with Drone Raids on Russian Infrastructure
On Friday 28 November, Ukrainian drones targeted infrastructure in Russia, hitting Saratov, Smolensk near the Belarusian border, Taganrog near the Donetsk region and a refinery, and Noworossiysk near Crimea. Despite no official confirmation from the Ukrainian army, Kyiv routinely retaliates against Russian infrastructure.
Two days earlier, drones struck a military electronics factory in Cheboksary in the Russian Republic of Chelyabinsk Region.