Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has signed a decree permitting internationals who fight for Russia in Ukraine to acquire Russian citizenship for themselves and their families.
According to Reuters, the decree says that persons who have enlisted during Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine are now eligible to apply for Russian passports for themselves, as well as their spouses, children, and parents.
They need to submit documents proving their commitment for at least one year, VisaGuide.World reports.
Eligible persons include those who have signed contracts with the regular armed forces or other “military formations”.
Authorities in Russia have not provided information regarding the number of international fighters on its side in Ukraine, however Reuters previously reported on Cubans joining the military for bonuses more than 100 times the average Cuban monthly salary.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led a large number of countries to impose sanctions, considered among the harshest in recent years.
Recently authorities in Russia have decided to make nationals from specific European Union countries pay the full visa fee for a Russian visa, a measure already applied by the bloc towards Moscow since last year.
The decision affects Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the European Union as a whole.
In September 2022, the Commission proposed to suspend completely the EU’s Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia.
A country like Russia, waging a war of aggression, should not qualify for visa facilitations as long as it continues conducting its destructive foreign policy and military aggression towards Ukraine, demonstrating a complete disregard to the international rules-based order.
The Commission back then said that the suspension came as a response to significant risk and threats to the Union’s security as well as the national security of its EU Member States, due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
In December of last year, the Council of the European Union adopted its 12th package of sanctions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, adding tens of other Russians to the sanctions list.
The Council decided to impose sanctions on additional 61 persons and 86 entities that have carried out actions that undermine and threaten the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.
Those designated are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.
The additional restrictions also aim to halt Russia from buying equipment for its military.