Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the Decree "On the definition for humanitarian purposes of categories of persons entitled to apply for citizenship of the Russian Federation under simplified procedure". This is stated on the website of the Kremlin's head.
"To establish that persons permanently residing in the territories of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine have the right to apply for admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation under simplified procedure in accordance with part eight of Article 14 of the Federal Law of May 31, 2002 No. 62 - the Federal Law "On the Citizenship of the Russian Federation", - the decree says.
In order to accelerate the acquisition of citizenship to residents of the occupied Donbass, it is necessary to submit an application to the authorized territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Judging by the decree, those who have identity documents issued in the "DNR/LNR" with "a note about registration at the place of residence in the territory of the relevant district of Donetsk or Luhansk oblast of Ukraine" have the right to a Russian passport.
Consideration of applications for admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation, filed by residents of the occupied territories, is carried out in a period not exceeding three months from the date of application and submission of documents.
Persons who have submitted applications for admission to the citizenship of the Russian Federation in accordance with this Decree, acquire the citizenship of the Russian Federation from the date of adoption of the decision on the admission to citizenship of the Russian Federation in the prescribed manner, - the decree of Vladimir Putin says. After that, residents of the occupied part of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts will have to take the oath of allegiance to their new "homeland".
Vladimir Putin explains such gross interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine with the objectives of "protecting the rights and freedoms of a person and citizen" and refers to "generally accepted principles and norms of international law".