Ukraine-based rights monitors say Russia is reshaping its occupation system across captured territories, introducing a new layer of control designed to tighten Moscow’s grip.
The Eastern Human Rights Group (EHRG) reported the move follows a wider pattern in which Russia replaces local proxies with structures fully aligned with federal authorities.
"Effective Region" project launched 28 November
In a statement, the group said Russia issued an internal order on 28 November launching a project called “Effective Region.” According to EHRG, the plan centres on three goals: stricter centralisation, replacing local personnel, and standardising occupation practices across all seized areas.
Moscow installs "curators" to oversee all branches
The group said the key innovation is a new position of “curator,” a supervisory figure who coordinates and oversees all branches of the occupation system. EHRG added that functions such as analysis, monitoring and administrative coordination are being shifted to units directly tied to Moscow.
Russian state-linked organisations including Rosatom and the “Russia – Land of Opportunity” agency have been brought into the rollout. The group described them as long-used tools for loyalty management and personnel filtering inside Russia.
From temporary administration to long-term integration
EHRG argued that the model aims to remove any remaining space for local decision-making. In its view, the project marks a shift from temporary administration toward long-term institutional integration of the occupied territories.
According to the group, the changes point to deeper centralised control, a gradual dismantling of the early “quasi-authority” bodies, and the use of occupied areas as testing grounds for new governance methods.
The watchdog said the updated system leaves local collaborators with little influence, reducing them to technical roles while decisions are shaped in Moscow.
