This research examines motivations for pursuing Russian citizenship in occupied territories, highlighting identity and adaptation strategies.
The research examines why residents of occupied Ukrainian territories pursue Russian citizenship. The sample includes Ukrainian citizens who (a) live in occupied territories; (b) relocated to Russia; (c) are IDPs visiting occupied areas; and (d) have refugee or temporary status in the EU visiting these zones. Motives related to Ukrainian loyalty and identity mostly reflect a desire to leave these territories. Both passive (mimicry) and active (seeking opportunities) adaptation strategies—common among residents and visitors—are characterized by a flexible, pragmatic, economically rational approach that weighs the benefits and drawbacks of Russian citizenship.
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Malyarenko et al. (2026) studied this question.
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