Massive resettlement of Russians to occupied territories: Kremlin plans population swap

Russia views the development of mineral deposits in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories not only as an economic resource, but also as a tool for demographic change in the region.

Petro Andryushchenko, Head of the Center for Occupation Studies, revealed the plan on Kyiv24.

He says the Kremlin is betting on a massive influx of Russian citizens to staff mining operations—specifically manganese extraction—rather than hiring local specialists.

"The Kremlin is using resource extraction in occupied territories as a tool for repopulation, attempting to settle the region with Russian nationals instead of involving local experts," Andryushchenko stated.

He said that this policy aims for a gradual population replacement. Despite the presence of experienced miners in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, occupation authorities have zero interest in employing them.

However, the implementation of these plans is hitting roadblocks. According to Andryushchenko, Russia itself is facing a severe labor shortage, which complicates the launch of large-scale extraction.

At the center of the plan is the intent to develop one of the world’s largest manganese deposits, located in the occupied territories of Ukraine.