Russian occupation authorities are seizing civilian property in occupied areas of Ukraine , despite international law prohibiting occupying powers from such conduct. Authorities have introduced a sham process to declare properties “ownerless” and transfer them to municipal ownership, while also imposing administrative and travel barriers making it nearly impossible for displaced Ukrainians to assert their rights. Russian authorities should cease these unlawful and abusive property seizures and uphold their obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian and human rights law in occupied areas of Ukraine. (Kyiv, May 26, 2026) – Russian authorities are unlawfully seizing civilian property belonging to  Ukrainians in occupied areas, Human Rights Watch said today. International law prohibits occupying powers from confiscating or appropriating private property unless strictly required by military necessity.…