DOC // Russia intends to grant citizenship to residents of Transnistrian region

Russia wants more citizens, including from the Republic of Moldova. President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree under which residents of the Transnistrian region will be able to obtain Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure. The decision has been described as “propagandistic” by civil society in Chișinău.

According to the document, foreign citizens and stateless persons who are at least 18 years old and permanently reside in the Transnistrian region will be able to apply for citizenship of the Russian Federation without having to meet certain conditions stipulated by the general citizenship legislation. The document also provides for the possibility of granting Russian citizenship to children left without parental care and to persons declared incapable who permanently reside in the region.

The decree states that the measure is introduced “for the purpose of protecting human rights and freedoms.”

Vadim Vieru, a lawyer with the Promo-LEX Association, described the decision as “propagandistic.”

“Paper wasted for propaganda. A decree that looks more like geopolitical desperation than real influence. The value of the Russian passport is at rock bottom, and people on the left bank of the Nistru know this very well. Citizens do not want to die for Putin. It remains to be seen how many will still stand in line for it in the current context. I can tell you already: if they gather 1,000 applications in the entire region, it will be a miracle,” said Vadim Vieru.

The former president of the Constitutional Court, Alexandru Tănase, suggested that the decision may have hidden meanings, aiming to involve young people in the war in Ukraine.

“Dear Transnistrians who have turned 18! The motherland cares about your future. Obtain Russian citizenship and welcome to SVO (special military operation). If you are lucky, they will even give you a posthumous medal. The empire is always generous with other people’s children,” said Alexandru Tănase.

The Russian Federation has previously applied similar mechanisms targeting separatist or occupied regions, including simplified procedures for granting citizenship.