Russia Reinforces Soviet Practices in Occupied Territories: ‘Stakhanov Movement’ and Repressions Resurface
In temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine, deepening authoritarian measures reminiscent of Soviet times are emerging under Russian control.
According to the Center for National Resistance (CNR), Russian authorities in the occupied Luhansk region have announced the launch of a so-called ‘Youth Stakhanov Movement’—an initiative that effectively serves as forced mobilization of students from pseudo-universities to work at industrial facilities.
The aim appears to be creating an illusion of active engagement while imposing coercion and ideological pressure.
Furthermore, this initiative is closely linked to an expansion of Russian influence over the local online spaces and media, as confirmed by CNR experts.
They emphasize that Russia’s strategy involves halting regional development prospects, trying instead to drag the region back into the past, reintroducing Soviet-era repression, devaluing individual rights, and plunging the area into poverty and deprivation.
Previously, reports indicated that in Luhansk, the occupying authorities organized a campaign called ‘For Our People,’ during which students were forced to donate blood for wounded Russian soldiers.
This points to the revival of Soviet-style repression and control over civil society.