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.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has signed a decree easing the process of obtaining Russian citizenship for residents of the unrecognised Transnistria.

Eligible applicants can skip Russian residency requirements, history and civic tests, and can forego proving proficiency in the Russian language.