Refugees trapped: an MP said that people flee the war, while their homes are occupied by the military and the bills are sent to the owners

Servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine occupy the houses of refugees from frontline areas without permission, after which they loot and destroy them.

This was reported at a session of the Verkhovna Rada by People’s Deputy Anna Skorokhod.

According to her, internally displaced persons complain daily that they continue to be charged for utilities for housing in which they have long not lived. Moreover, in many cases their apartments and houses are occupied by servicemen without the consent of the owners and without the proper paperwork.

“People are faced with the fact that bills for electricity, gas, and water come to them, even though they left these homes long ago. Very often, the military settle into their housing, and as a result all the expenses fall on the shoulders of civilians,” Skorokhod stressed.

The deputy also added that after the military have stayed there, homes often become unfit for living: property is looted, appliances are broken, walls are damaged. At the same time, the owners receive no compensation from the state.

According to Skorokhod, the problem is widespread and requires a systemic solution. Public dissatisfaction is growing, since displaced people have found themselves in a situation where they are simultaneously deprived of their homes and forced to pay the bills for someone else’s residence.

Human rights activists note that such practices violate citizens’ rights and may lead to growing social tensions. Experts point to the need to introduce a transparent mechanism for the temporary use of housing by the military, with mandatory compensation for damages.