Ukraine, the US and Europe protest against Russia’s loosening of naturalization for Ukrainian citizens in Kherson, Zaporozhye

Russian soldiers patrol in the Kherson Oblast area on May 20 – Photo: AFP

Tass news agency cited documents published on the Russian legal portal as saying that the new decree includes adjustments from an earlier similar decree allowing people in the two self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. , in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, obtained Russian citizenship.

The decree was signed by Putin on May 25 and took effect immediately.

The provision in the decree allows foreigners to apply for Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure. They are exempt from the requirements to live in Russia for 5 years, have a source of income and pass an exam in Russian.

Naturalization applicants will be reviewed and approved or denied within 3 months from the time the application is submitted and the required documents are presented.

Tass news agency said the Russian decree is intended to “protect the rights and freedoms of each individual and citizen and to proceed in accordance with widely recognized principles and standards of international law” and in accordance with the law. Russian nationality.

Ukraine, the US and Europe have spoken out on this issue. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry criticized Russia’s “unlawful issuance of passports” in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as international law.

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said Washington “strongly opposes” Moscow’s move, according to CBC Radio.

Mr. Matti Maasikas, the head of the EU representative mission to Ukraine, also shared on Twitter about Russia’s move to “passportization”. “Under no circumstances will anyone recognize any such act,” Maasikas wrote.