Occupational Governor of Zaporizhzhia Region Blurted Out About Deportation and Executions - ISW.

Occupational Governor of Zaporizhzhia Region Admitted Deportation of Ukrainians

Yevhen Balytskyi, the governor of Zaporizhzhia Region, officially announced that the Russian authorities force Ukrainian citizens to leave their native lands if they oppose the Russian invasion or criticize Russia. He also emphasized that Ukrainians lose their rights without trial and investigation.

In an interview, Balytskyi noted that many families were deported from the occupied territories since they did not support the actions of the Russian authorities and "insulted" Russia using Russian symbols.

The governor tried to justify these actions, claiming that it was done in the interests of the deported families. He alleged that if resettlement were refused, the Russian authorities could take even harsher measures and even kill Ukrainians who support Russia.

Balytskyi stated that while some families were allowed to leave, others were forcibly deported, being given only a bottle of water at the border.

According to Yevhen Balytskyi, the Russian authorities had to take extremely harsh decisions, but he did not disclose what he was hinting at. The Institute for the Study of War had previously reported on the deportation of Ukrainians and Russia's attempts to destroy Ukrainian identity and culture.

Balytskyi's statements confirm that the Russian authorities act on the principle of Russification of occupied Ukraine through coercion and fear.

The governor's words indicate his support for the policy of the Russian occupation authorities regarding the deportation of Ukrainian citizens.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda