Authors

Magdalena Lachowicz¹;  ¹ Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland

Discussion

The paper analyses the steps taken by the Russian Federation towards the eastern regions of Ukraine in order to integrate this area into the administrative and social structures of Russia. Non-commercial entities implementing activities in the so-called third sector play an important role in this process. The state and manner of implementation of Russia's social policy aimed at winning support for the annexation of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics from the local population is critically analysed.


he analysis  is based on official and secondary data obtained from agencies of the Russian Federation and Ukraine as well as statistical data. It also includes a review of the grants distributed by the President of the Russian Federation. The scope of the analysis is focused on the territories that are not controlled by the Ukrainian government as they are occupied by the Russian Federation. In particular attention is put on Russian practices of territorial incorporation and the inclusion of the residents of the annexed territories into the system of social policy of the Russian Federation, which is achieved by means of administrative mechanisms as well instrumentalisation of the third sector.

Research has shown that to effectively orchestrate social change activists and social movements need to play four different roles: that of a citizen, a rebel, an agent of change and a reformer. Each role has its own goals, requires different styles and skills, and addresses varying needs. Moreover, each role can be executed effectively or ineffectively. Social activists thus need to build their reputation among the so-called ordinary people, which is also dependent on the local traditions and political culture. Recognising these, Russia has been actively engaging local, or pseudo local but loyal, organisations to support its activities aimed at territorial incorporation.  

The Russian Federation has adopted new social policy instruments which allow it to complete the process of occupation and are aimed at integrating Ukrainian citizens/immigrants with the Russian society. The most effective tools in this regards have proven to be: social assistance and support systems which are offered to “new Russians” as well as “identity-building” projects that focus on: language, culture and historical education. Their promotion by the Kremlin verifies the thesis that from Russia’s perspective social assimilation of the local population living in the newly annexed territories is a necessary condition for the long-term success of their integration with the Russian civilization.





Keywords: Donbas, Luhansk, social policy of the Russian Federation, third sector, socially oriented non-commercial organisations