Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree simplifying the procedure to grant Russian citizenship to people living in Russian-occupied Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
The corresponding decree was posted on the Russian president's website on April 24.
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"To establish that persons permanently residing in the territories of certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine have the right to apply for citizenship of the Russian Federation in a simplified manner under Part 8 of Article 14 of Federal Law on Citizenship of the Russian Federation No. 62-FZ of May 31, 2002," the text of the decree says.
It says that the decision was made by the President of the Russian Federation "in order to protect human and civil rights and freedoms" based on "generally accepted principles and norms of international law," in accordance with Article 29 of Federal Law No. 62 of May 31, 2002 "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation."
The term for considering applications submitted by residents of occupied Donbas seeking Russia's citizenship should not exceed three months from the date of submission of their applications and the necessary documents.
The decree shall come into force on the day of its official publication.
