Zakhar Prilepin, a former deputy and current Russian propagandist-official, has sparked controversy with his remarks on immigration and territorial expansion. His comments, which were met with applause from other Russian officials, suggested an aggressive approach towards the territories from where immigrants originate.
Prilepin proposed that the solution to potential conflicts arising from migration is straightforward: increase the Russian population. He argued that the more Russians there are, the fewer problems there will be with people who misbehave. He suggested that territories from where guest workers come to Russia should be annexed.
He stated, “I am actually sincerely advocating that these territories from where migrant workers come to us should be annexed and taught the Russian language on the spot, not here, but there, in Uzbekistan, for example.”
Prilepin also suggested that the documentation on the collapse of the Soviet Union should be disavowed, which would allow Russia to claim territories where a significant number of its citizens reside.
He said, “We will raise the topic of disavowing the collapse of the Soviet Union, which will allow us to say at any time: ‘Since two million of your citizens are on our territory, we claim your territory. Because the majority are already here, and they even voted for it.’"
Prilepin criticized the Union of Soldiers’ Mothers, blaming it for demographic problems and calling it “harmful” for the army and children. He proposed an alternative organization, the “Union of Fathers”, created by his structures. These provocative statements have stirred up considerable debate and concern, particularly regarding his comments about Uzbekistan.
Earlier, Pyotr Tolstoy, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, has proposed limiting work opportunities in Russia for citizens of post-Soviet countries where the Russian language is not given due importance. This statement was made during parliamentary hearings on November 14, focusing on the preservation, protection, and development of the Russian language in the Chamber of Regions.
Tolstoy also highlighted the issue of teaching Russian in post-Soviet republics. He expressed concern that while there is a desire to study Russian in these countries, there is a noticeable shift towards learning English and promoting their national languages over Russian.
Tolstoy believes that Russia could influence this situation through specific legislative decisions. He stated, “If Russian is not the state language, then, I’m sorry, citizens of these countries should not work in public places - drivers, sellers, couriers. Such measures are gradually correcting the situation.”
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