Welp, things just keep getting crazier in Ukraine! Apparently, Ukrainian forces are making some moves behind enemy lines, and in response, Russia is tightening their grip on the civilians in occupied areas. Ukrainian officials say that Russian counterintelligence units are throwing a fit, restricting travel between towns and villages to try and Russify the area even more than it already is. And let me tell you, they’re cracking down harder than a team of drill sergeants at basic training.

Not to be outdone in the ridiculousness department, the Kremlin recently said that anyone in occupied areas who doesn’t want a Russian passport could be relocated. Yeah, because that’s a totally normal thing to do. Ukrainian residents are freaking out about this, obviously. They don’t want to be kicked out of their homes simply because they don’t want a new passport. Can’t blame them, really.

As if all of that wasn’t crazy enough, now there are Russian security officers who are working in plain clothes in public spaces. They’re apparently trying to track down members of the Ukrainian resistance in occupied areas, which sounds like it could potentially be the plot of a bad spy movie. They’re initiating conversations with people to try and find those who are “disloyal” to the Russians. And if you take their bait, you’re basically stuck helping out the Russian occupation regime. Yikes.

Of course, none of this is easy to verify because, surprise, surprise, independent journalists and international observers aren’t allowed in the area. But it’s pretty clear that the Kremlin has big plans for Ukraine, and it involves basically taking over. They’ve already announced that they’ve “annexed” four provinces, which everyone agrees is totally illegal. Ukrainian officials and international observers are all like, “Ummm, excuse me, Russia, but what are you doing?” And now people are being pressure to accept Russian passports? It’s madness, I tell you!

So what’s the advice for people living in occupied territories? Well, that depends on who you ask. Ukraine’s human rights commissioner is telling people to get Russian passports for their own safety because apparently, that’s the world we live in now. But others are saying not to take them because they don’t want to be considered “collaborators” with the enemy. Honestly, it sounds like a mess. Unclear positions, enormous pressure, and people not knowing what to do… It’s just another day in Ukraine, folks!

Serious News: nytimes