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Putin Eases Citizenship for Transnistria, Sparks Moldova-Ukraine Alarm

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on May 15 that simplifies Russian citizenship for residents of Moldova’s Russian-occupied Transnistria.
The decree removes residency, history and civic exams and eliminates the Russian-language proficiency requirement.
President Maia Sandu warned the measure could channel more recruits into Russia’s war against Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called the decree a territorial claim and ordered coordination with Moldova on a joint response.

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Story summary

President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on May 15 that simplifies Russian citizenship for residents of Moldova’s Russian-occupied Transnistria.
The decree removes residency, history and civic exams and eliminates the Russian-language proficiency requirement.
President Maia Sandu warned the measure could channel more recruits into Russia’s war against Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called the decree a territorial claim and ordered coordination with Moldova on a joint response.