14-year-old orphans in the occupied territories are issued Russian passports - Lubinets

The occupants recently handed Russian passports to orphans from Melitopol. This was reported by the Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for human rights, Dmytro Lubinets.

It became known that 14-year-old pupils of Melitopol regional centre of social and psychological rehabilitation, who were left without parental care and are in occupation, were issued Russian passports, - stated in the message.

According to the Ombudsman, for passportisation the children were taken to a subdivision of the so-called migration department, which is located in another locality. In this way, the occupants are trying to show "cultural and historical connection with Russia".

Lubinets said that this is yet another proof that the Russian Federation is trying to erase the identity of Ukrainian children and re-educate them.

This cannot be allowed! We must work to bring to justice for the crimes against Ukrainian children all those involved, who in one way or another are trying to erase their belonging to Ukraine," Lubinets said.

According to him, with its actions Russia once again violates international law, in particular the UN Charter.