Overview
- Russia issued a decree that lets adults who permanently live in Transnistria apply for Russian passports through its embassies and consulates.
- The order waives the usual five-year stay in Russia and tests on language, history, and basic law, which opens the door to far more applicants and could tie new citizens to military service.
- The Kremlin posted the text on its legal portal and said the step protects rights and freedoms under recognized international norms.
- Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the move, called it a tool for mobilization for the war in Ukraine, and urged residents to treat the offer with caution.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the decision signals a search for new soldiers and a claim over Transnistria, and he tasked the foreign ministry to coordinate with Moldova while seeking response options from intelligence.