Putin Signs Decree on Simplified Citizenship for Transnistria Residents

On May 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree establishing a simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for residents of Transnistria — an unrecognized region in eastern Moldova that de facto seceded from the republic in the early 1990s.

Under the document, permanent residents of the enclave are exempted from several standard naturalization requirements: a five-year residency period in Russian territory, confirmation of Russian language proficiency, and passing tests on knowledge of the country's laws and history. The decree applies not only to adult citizens but also to orphans, unaccompanied minors, and persons with limited legal capacity — the latter will be able to obtain citizenship through their legal guardians.

Transnistria is not recognized by any UN member state. Russian military forces are stationed on its territory. According to analysts, the new decree may strengthen Moscow's position in the region and complicate Moldova's course toward European integration.