Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to simplify the process of granting Russian citizenship to residents of the separatist Transnistria region has sparked concern in Moldova, with President Maia Sandu warning that the move could eventually be used to recruit people for the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, Sandu suggested Moscow may be looking for additional manpower. “Probably they need more people to send to the war in Ukraine,” she said, commenting on the decree signed by Putin on May 15. The Moldovan president argued that the measure is also part of broader Russian pressure on Chisinau as Moldova continues efforts to reintegrate the breakaway region.
Sandu pointed out that since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many residents of Transnistria have preferred to obtain Moldovan citizenship instead of Russian documents. “They felt safer to have the citizenship of the Republic of Moldova and not the citizenship of Russia,” she said.
The decree allows foreign citizens and stateless people permanently living in Transnistria to apply for Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure. Requirements such as five years of residence in Russia, proof of legal income, and Russian language exams are removed. Applications can be submitted through Russian diplomatic and consular institutions.
