CASE STUDY COMPILATION
Who Moves to Occupied Ukraine? Settler Profiles from Russian Civilians
NOTE ON METHODOLOGY AND SOURCING All profiles in this compilation use first names only. All source material was collected from publicly available platforms - occupation administration Telegram channels, Russian media outlets, VKontakte, RuTube, and Ukrainian open-source intelligence databases. No restricted or sensitive sources were used. Individuals voluntarily participated in interviews, social media posts, or public promotional campaigns for Russian government relocation programmes. Profiles are grouped by primary motivation typology: Economic; Ideological; Family Proximity; Career/Professional; Mixed. Motivation coding is based on participants' own statements where available, supplemented by contextual inference. |
1. Economic Motivation
The Russian government's Zemsky relocation programmes offer RUB 2 million (roughly £17,000) to professionals who relocate to the occupied territories for a minimum of five years - double the amount offered for relocation to rural Russia. Separately, subsidised 2% mortgages have driven property investment and permanent migration to Mariupol. The profiles in this section are unified by the primacy of financial calculation in their stated motivations. |
Elena (Choreography teacher) | Economic |
Origin: Siberia / Taganrog Relocated to: LPR – Irmino Programme: Zemsky Rabotnik Kultury (cultural worker programme) Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“I live in Irmino and bought an apartment here with the money I received from the programme. I plan to buy furniture and renovate the apartment.” | |
Also stated she moved with the goal of owning a home in the region. Source: Lug-info.ru interview [archived] | |
Elena (Dance teacher) | Economic |
Origin: Siberia / Taganrog Relocated to: LPR – Irmino Programme: Zemsky Rabotnik Kultury Year: Entered programme 2025 (first came to Donbas 2024) | |
Plans to buy a two-bedroom apartment with the RUB 2 million received. Source: RuTube interview | |
Tatiana (Real estate and construction worker) | Economic |
Origin: Nizhny Novgorod Relocated to: Mariupol Programme: Organic migration (2% mortgage programme) Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“There are many vacancies in Mariupol with salaries higher than in my hometown. The property is much cheaper as well.” | |
Came initially for a couple of months to assess the city before deciding to relocate permanently. Partner subsequently returned to Russia. Runs a real estate Telegram channel in Mariupol. Source: Mariupol relocation channel 'В Мариуполь на ПМЖ' (Mariupol city administration Telegram) | |
Alena (Property investor) | Economic |
Origin: Originally Kursk; latterly Moscow Relocated to: Mariupol Programme: Organic migration (2% mortgage) Year: Post-2022 | |
“If it weren't for the 2% mortgage, there wouldn't be so many new houses, playgrounds, parks and other urban amenities. Flats are being built, and we're buying them up. The city is developing leisure facilities, partly to keep the newcomers from leaving.” | |
Owns multiple apartments and rents them in Moscow oblast and Mariupol. Self-describes as enthusiastic about Mariupol's development trajectory. Source: Mariupol residential Telegram chat (ЖК Ленинградский квартал) [archived] | |
Mikhail (PE Teacher) | Economic |
Origin: Born in Donetsk; lived in Irkutsk and Voronezh oblasts Relocated to: DPR – Volnovakha District Programme: Zemsky Uchitel (teacher programme) Year: Likely 2025 | |
In a 2021 interview about an earlier Zemsky placement in Voronezh, stated he had used the payment to buy a car and a small dacha - indicating financial reward as primary driver. Source: Multiple sources: Mir24 [archived]; KP Donetsk; DPR Ministry of Education Telegram | |
2. Ideological Motivation
A subset of documented settlers express motivations grounded in Russian nationalist identity, the framing of relocation as patriotic service, or longstanding prior engagement with Donbas as volunteers. This category is disproportionately represented among teachers, whose professional function in delivering the Russian curriculum carries a specific ideological dimension. |
Aleksey (Maths and Physics teacher) | Ideological |
Origin: Saratov / Kursk / Orel oblasts Relocated to: DPR – Starobeshivsky District Programme: Zemsky Uchitel Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“Teachers, like no one else, are responsible for the future of Russia. We bear the burden of educating children in the context of a new political and social reality. New regions of Russia are in an extremely difficult situation in terms of teaching staff, and the Zemsky Teacher programme is designed to solve at least some of the problems.” | |
States motivation is a combination of financial reward and ideological alignment. Source: DPR Ministry of Education Telegram [archived]; Mariupol News | |
Oksana (Primary school teacher) | Ideological |
Origin: Pskov oblast / St Petersburg Relocated to: DPR – Volnovakha District (Dmitrovka) Programme: Zemsky Uchitel Year: Relocated 2024 | |
Had previously volunteered in DPR/LPR hospitals. After returning to Russia, stated she could not stay. Also motivated her daughter to transfer to Donetsk National University. Husband served in the military in the region and was killed. Source: RuTube interview; Izvestia; DPR Ministry of Education Telegram | |
Aleksandra (Russian language and literature teacher) | Ideological |
Origin: Tatarstan Relocated to: DPR – Volnovakha District Programme: Zemsky Uchitel Year: Likely 2025 | |
Moved with husband and four children. Stated that a 'patriotic feeling' influenced her decision. Source: DPR Ministry of Education Telegram [archived] | |
Svetlana (Political activist and volunteer) | Ideological |
Origin: Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan Relocated to: Kherson Oblast Programme: Organic migration (ideological/volunteer) Year: Relocated 2023 | |
“I saw graves. To be precise, they were trenches, and later those who had died were buried there. There it is - the hearth - and fifty metres away, the graves: of a neighbour, a brother, a wife, a child. I saw grandfathers and grandmothers... weeping. And that's when my whole outlook changed. I realised that I would be coming back.” | |
Has been head of the Kherson branch of the 'For Truth' movement. Former banker with decades of experience, including in Moscow. Has received multiple Russian government awards for volunteer activity. Active since 2014 in supporting the Donbas separatist movement. Source: VNNews.ru interview | |
Maxim (Sound engineer) | Ideological |
Origin: Irkutsk oblast Relocated to: LPR – Sievierodonetsk Programme: Zemsky Rabotnik Kultury Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“By assisting artists with their recordings or recording myself, I am developing as a professional.” | |
The local newspaper notes that Maxim writes both music and poetry, 'typically patriotic in nature.' Source: Sievierodonetsk local newspaper; LPR Ministry of Culture Telegram | |
3. Family Proximity Motivation
A recurring pattern - particularly among female participants in the Zemsky Doctor and Zemsky Uchitel programmes - is relocation driven by proximity to a spouse or partner serving in the Russian military or security services. In several documented cases, the participant's husband was subsequently killed or declared missing in action. The Zemsky financial incentive functions as a secondary pull factor within an already geographically proximate situation. |
Tatyana (Russian language and literature teacher) | Family Proximity |
Origin: Khabarovsk Krai Relocated to: DPR – Kamyshevatoye village Programme: Zemsky Uchitel Year: Likely 2024 | |
In 2024 her husband signed a military contract and was deployed in Zaporizhzhia. She decided to move to be closer to him. He was subsequently declared MIA. Source: Izvestia (archived Dec 2025) | |
Liana (Painting teacher) | Family Proximity |
Origin: Tomsk Relocated to: DPR – Yasinovataya Children's Art School Programme: Zemsky Rabotnik Kultury Year: Relocated 2025 | |
Relocated with daughter to support husband, who is currently serving in the Russian military. First documented participant in the Zemsky cultural worker programme in DPR. Source: MK Donbass; DPR Ministry of Culture Telegram | |
Irada (Clinic therapist) | Family Proximity |
Origin: Dagestan (Lezgin ethnicity) Relocated to: LPR – Melovsk district hospital Programme: Zemsky Doktor Year: Likely 2025 | |
“The programme gives us financial stability and the opportunity to plan our families - to seriously think about having children.” | |
Husband serves in the FSB border service, stationed at Rostov-on-Don. Wanted to be closer to him. The financial stability aspect of the programme was also cited as significant. Source: Lug-info.ru interview [archived] | |
Zareema (Paediatrician) | Family Proximity |
Origin: Ingushetia Relocated to: Zaporizhzhia Oblast – Yakymivka Programme: Zemsky Doktor Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“Family reasons.” | |
Husband works 'in the new regions' - the role was not specified. Was initially hesitant due to having children. Reported colleagues were welcoming and assisted with adaptation. | |
Liza (Wife of Russian military officer) | Family Proximity |
Origin: Russia (region not specified) Relocated to: Mariupol Programme: Organic migration Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“We're moving to Mariupol. My husband is [in the military]. I'm really scared to go there... but there's no other option.” | |
Was pregnant at time of posting. Expressed concern about how her child would be treated by local residents. Source: Baby.ru online parenting forum | |
4. Career and Professional Development Motivation
A significant cadre of Russian civilians - particularly administrators, political appointees, Rosatom personnel, and construction managers - relocated to the occupied territories as a career step. Several civil administrators relocated immediately following corruption scandals in their home regions, suggesting that appointment to the occupation administration may function partly as political exile. |
Ramil (General Manager, Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant) | Career / Professional |
Origin: Kemerovo oblast (lived across multiple Russian regions) Relocated to: Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Oblast Programme: Rosatom placement Year: Relocated November 2024 | |
“This is an even more significant step than the previous stages of my career. If the heads of Rosenergoatom and Rosatom trust me, if they have decided that I can handle this job, then there is no turning back.” | |
Former senior Rosatom manager. Appointed to head the ZNPP Operating Organisation in November 2024, replacing a previous Russian appointee. Source: Strana Rosatom interview | |
Maxim (First Deputy Head, Enerhodar Occupation Administration) | Career / Professional |
Origin: Murmansk oblast (born); lived across multiple regions Relocated to: Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Oblast Programme: Federal administrative appointment Year: Relocated October 2024 | |
“Some say: 'Well done, mate! Keep it up! We're proud of you, you're a hero.' Others tap their temples, asking, 'Why on earth would you do that?' They can't understand why I gave up a quiet life and a job that ran like clockwork.” | |
Former Mayor of Polyarnye Zori (2013–2024). Relocated with wife to a town near the front line. Was planning to bring the family dog. Source: Strana Rosatom interview | |
Magomedrasul (Junior surgeon) | Career / Professional |
Origin: Dagestan Relocated to: Zaporizhzhia Oblast – Prymors'k Programme: Zemsky Doktor Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“I believe there is nothing better for a junior surgeon looking to develop into an experienced surgeon than working in a district hospital, because that is where you are most likely to find doctors from whom you can learn and gain experience.” | |
Framed relocation primarily in terms of professional development and mentorship access. | |
Vasily (Construction site foreman) | Career / Professional |
Origin: St Petersburg Relocated to: Mariupol (company: ООО 'Модуль центр') Programme: Construction sector deployment Year: Relocated December 2022 | |
“When I was offered the chance to go to Mariupol as a senior site supervisor, I didn't hesitate for long. I'd already worked in Crimea and on other major construction sites, so I decided: 'I'll go and do my bit for the good of the people.' My family were worried, but they supported me.” | |
Splits time between Mariupol projects and his hometown in St Petersburg. One of multiple St Petersburg construction workers documented in Mariupol. Source: VKontakte post; Mariupol News | |
5. Mixed Motivations
The majority of documented settlers exhibit mixed motivations that combine financial incentives, ideological alignment, personal circumstances, and pragmatic opportunity. The profiles in this section illustrate the complexity of motivation that resists neat typological classification. |
Nina (Paramedic) | Mixed |
Origin: Ural region Relocated to: LPR – Slovianoserbskyi district Programme: Zemsky Doktor Year: Relocated 2023 | |
Has a large family of six children; eldest daughter studies at a university in the region. In 2015 came to the region to 'help people of Donbas', found out about the programme, and decided to relocate. Combines humanitarian motivation with practical family considerations. Source: LPR Ministry of Health Telegram [archived]; VKontakte | |
Ziyaudin (Head of Village House of Culture) | Mixed |
Origin: Dagestan Relocated to: LPR – Troits'ke Programme: Zemsky Rabotnik Kultury Year: Relocated 2025 | |
“My workplace began reducing staff... so I decided to respond by finding something new for myself. And I came here.” | |
Combination of job insecurity in Russia, promise of housing from local authorities, and desire for new professional environment. Plans to bring wife and child. Source: LuganMedia interview | |
Kristina (Former journalist, now civil servant) | Mixed |
Origin: Tol'yatti, Samara oblast Relocated to: Kherson Oblast Programme: Organic migration (civil service transfer) Year: Relocated 2025 or 2026 | |
“A family friend has come to work in the Kherson region. He told us how beautiful it is here, what the air is like, and what the salaries and prospects are. My husband and I didn't discuss it for long. He's a civil servant too, and all he had to do was transfer.” | |
Previously worked for eight years as a journalist on 'Tolyatti 24'. Husband transferred through civil service channels. Decision driven by combination of personal recommendation, financial prospect, and relatively low disruption of internal civil service transfer mechanisms. Source: 63.ru interview | |
Artem (PE teacher) | Mixed |
Origin: Tyumen Relocated to: LPR – Bryanka Programme: Zemsky Uchitel Year: Likely 2024 | |
“I really liked Bryanka. The people here are friendly and kind, always ready to help. I'm glad that my family and I moved to live and work in this beautiful corner of the Republic.” | |
Stated interest in 'helping people from LPR' alongside financial motivation. Relocated with family. Source: VKontakte (LPR school page) | |
Appendix: Notes on Settler Geography
The settler cohort identified in open-source data reflects several notable geographic patterns:
- Dagestan and North Caucasus overrepresentation: Multiple participants in the Zemsky Doctor and Doktor programmes originate from Dagestan, Ingushetia, and adjacent regions. This likely reflects both lower average salaries in these regions (making the 2 million ruble payment more significant in relative terms) and active recruitment through regional health ministry networks.
- St Petersburg dominance in construction: The majority of documented construction workers in Mariupol originate from St Petersburg, which has a formal 'brotherly city' relationship with Mariupol and anchors several major reconstruction contracts through companies such as ООО 'Модуль центр'.
- Far East migration to Mariupol: Multiple settlers in Mariupol originate from Russia's far eastern regions (Khabarovsk, Amursk, Irkutsk) and cite proximity to the sea as a significant pull factor - the Black Sea coast representing an aspirational lifestyle change unavailable in their home regions.
- Children as demographic anchors: A significant proportion of documented settlers relocated with children who are now enrolled in Russian-curriculum schools. This represents a longer-term demographic stake in the occupied territory beyond the individual settler's employment contract or military assignment.
Corrections are reviewed by the research team and incorporated into the next update.