More than 3,300 foreigners have been awarded Russian citizenship this year in return for aiding Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, according to Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk.
In a Telegram post published Sunday, Volk praised her Interior Ministry colleagues for swiftly assisting “a foreign citizen from a neighboring country” who risked being deported from Russia to face criminal liability for fighting with the Russian army in Ukraine as a mercenary.
“Since the start of this year…3,344 foreign citizens have acquired citizenship on similar grounds,” said Volk.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in January signed a decree, which qualifies foreigners fighting in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces or affiliated military formations for fast-track citizenship.
The spouses, children and parents of foreigners serving in the Russian army are also eligible for the simplified citizenship procedure.
According to the law, Russian authorities have up to one month to consider citizenship applications from the soldiers and their families.
Russia’s simplified citizenship process appeared to be aimed at citizens of ex-Soviet states in Central Asia and other Global South countries who fight for Moscow in Ukraine despite repeated warnings from their governments and the risk of facing criminal prosecution for mercenary work.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
