In a move laden with geopolitical significance, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree simplifying the path to Russian citizenship for residents of Transnistria, the breakaway, predominantly Russian-speaking region of Moldova. The decree applies to “foreign citizens and stateless persons” permanently residing in the territory and is framed as a measure to “protect human rights and freedoms.”
The timing is notable. Moldova, an EU candidate country, has been increasing political and economic pressure on Transnistria. Moscow’s response — making it easier to hand out Russian passports — echoes similar tactics used before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when Russia mass-issued citizenship to residents of Donetsk and Luhansk. The move will almost certainly escalate tensions between Moscow and Chișinău.
