Putin expands list of Ukrainians for fast-tracked Russian passports

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree expanding the list of Ukrainians and citizens of some other countries eligible for fast-tracked Russian passports, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

The initial decree, simplifying the procedure for obtaining a Russian passport for residents of Ukraine's insurgent Donetsk and Luhansk regions, was signed by Putin on April 24.

The plans have drawn a rebuke from the European Union and Kiev.

Last week, Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Moscow's plan to provide passports to Ukrainians, and pledged instead to grant citizenship to Russians who "suffer" under the Kremlin's rule.

The Kremlin on Wednesday published an expanded list of those eligible to acquire Russian passports within three months, including those who live in "certain territories" of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The law is effective from the day of signing, May 1.

An official of a migration department under Russia's Interior Ministry works on photographs while registering passport applications of Ukrainian separatist-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk Regions' residents in Novoshakhtinsk, Russia, April 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

The list of those eligible for fast-tracked Russian passports also includes Ukrainians who lived in Crimea before its incorporation with Russia in March 2014.

The list also cited citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and Syria who were born in Russia during the Soviet era.

Rebellions broke out against Ukrainian government rule in east Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions in 2014 shortly after the then president Viktor Yanukovych was toppled in Kiev in a popular revolt.

Last week, Putin said there was nothing wrong with easing rules for residents of Ukrainian rebel regions to receive Russian passports.

He also said Moscow was considering offering all Ukrainian citizens fast-tracked Russian passports.

Source(s): Reuters