In the lead-up to the upcoming State Duma elections in September, the ruling United Russia party has shifted its approach towards the Crimean Tatar community in occupied Crimea. This change, as reported by a Crimean Tatar activist who spoke on condition of anonymity, involves aggressive efforts to recruit Crimean Tatars into the party.
The activist indicated that there is significant pressure on Crimean Tatars employed in the public sector to join United Russia. Many have reportedly refused and opted to resign from their positions. An example cited is the Crimean Tatar library in Bilohirsk, which has been closed for six months due to a lack of staff, following the resignation of the only Crimean Tatar journalist at the local newspaper, “Silskaya Novina,” after years of service.
Historically, United Russia has been reluctant to engage with the Crimean Tatar community, particularly following the 2014 annexation of Crimea, during which the community boycotted a referendum deemed illegitimate. The party’s local leadership, including Vladimir Konstantinov, has largely remained unchanged since the annexation.
With the approaching elections, the party’s strategy appears to be a response to declining support among the non-indigenous population of Crimea. The activist noted that many residents are unwilling to associate with a party perceived to be worsening their living conditions. This situation has prompted United Russia to turn its attention to what the activist referred to as a politically “unexplored field” in an attempt to bolster its ranks.
Furthermore, the activist expressed concerns that United Russia aims to involve as many Crimean Tatars as possible in its party structure, particularly in light of fears regarding a potential military de-occupation of Crimea. The activist suggested that the Russian authorities recognize that Crimean Tatars could emerge as a pro-Ukrainian force in such a scenario.
In addition to recruitment efforts, the activist accused United Russia of attempting to sow discord within the Crimean Tatar community. He emphasized that many would prefer to lose their jobs rather than align themselves with a party representing an occupying state.
The Presidium of the Mejlis, the representative body of the Crimean Tatar people, condemned the ongoing repression and persecution in Crimea as a continuation of Russia’s long-standing genocidal policy aimed at the destruction of the Crimean Tatar nation. This statement was made during commemorative events on May 18, marking the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide.
The United Russia party has altered its recruitment strategy towards Crimean Tatars as it prepares for the State Duma elections. This shift includes pressure on public sector employees to join the party, reflecting a broader attempt to regain support in the region amid declining popularity.