BBC Investigation: Russia Confiscates Thousands of Homes of War-Displaced Ukrainians

A new BBC investigation has revealed that Russian-installed authorities in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol are systematically confiscating thousands of homes from Ukrainian residents, particularly those who fled during the war. The investigation coincides with the third anniversary of Russia’s occupation of the city.

Analysis of documents released by Mariupol’s pro-Russian administration since July 2024 shows that at least 5,700 homes have been marked for seizure. Of these, 2,200 are already set for imminent confiscation, while another 3,550 are under review. Most of the properties belonged to individuals who either fled the city or were killed during Russia’s intense 86-day siege of Mariupol in 2022.

The BBC found that reclaiming property is nearly impossible for Ukrainian owners, who must endure a complex legal process, security screenings, and increasing pressure to accept Russian citizenship — all while risking their safety by returning to the occupied region via Russia.

A recent decree signed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin further complicates matters by banning property registration by citizens of “unfriendly” countries, including Ukraine, until 2028.

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War in Ukraine

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Residents like Halyna, who escaped the siege, fear losing their homes permanently. She described the process as “legalised stealing of property,” noting that individuals are living in her Mariupol apartment without her consent. Many buildings damaged during the Russia’s war against Ukraine are now being repurposed or assigned to Russian passport holders from the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic.

Official statements from the Russian-installed mayor, Oleg Morgun, confirm that court decisions have already led to the seizure of over 600 flats. Meanwhile, Mariupol residents, including some who stayed behind, describe widespread confusion and anxiety over property rights.

Telegram chats reviewed by BBC Verify show locals struggling to navigate unclear rules and fear punishment for any trace of Ukrainian identity.

International law experts say the policy constitutes a violation of the Geneva and Hague Conventions, which prohibit property seizures in occupied territories except in narrowly defined cases. Professor Nehal Bhuta of Edinburgh University emphasized the illegality of the practice, calling it part of an “unlawful annexation.”

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War in Ukraine

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Russia’s actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to “Russify” Mariupol. Satellite imagery and reports indicate the construction of military facilities, a naval academy, and a war memorial. Street names are being changed, and a new city emblem removes Ukrainian language and introduces Russian symbols.

BBC reports that for many Ukrainians, the loss of their homes is a deeply personal and painful wound.

“You can’t understand how your flat, your property are considered ‘ownerless’,” said Petro Andriushchenko, a former adviser to Mariupol’s Ukrainian mayor. “It’s like being hit on the head with a hammer.”

Previously, it was reported that Russia has outlined plans to resettle at least 5 million people, likely from Russia, in the territories it occupies in Ukraine by 2030.