Moldova warns Transnistria residents about the risks of Russian citizenship
Moldova has stated that the Kremlin’s decision to simplify the issuance of Russian passports to residents of Transnistria may be an attempt to recruit new soldiers for the war against Ukraine. Chisinau has warned that Russian citizenship, under current circumstances, entails not only rights but also serious obligations. This was reported by NewsMaker.
Moldova has reacted to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree simplifying the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship for residents of unrecognized Transnistria, stating that this move may have a hidden military purpose and be linked to replenishing the Russian army.
This was reported by NewsMaker, citing a statement by Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, who emphasized that the situation requires careful analysis and a response from the authorities. “A Russian passport becomes the passport of an aggressor state that is not accepted at the table of the civilized world. I believe the Kremlin’s decision is linked to an attempt to recruit as many soldiers as possible to the front lines, given that recruitment rates have recently declined,” Munteanu stated.
According to him, residents of Transnistria should critically evaluate such initiatives and understand that citizenship of any state is not only about freedom of movement or social benefits, but also about specific obligations to that country. “Citizenship is not just about freedom of movement, but also about clear obligations,” the prime minister emphasized, also mentioning taxes and other obligations that may result from obtaining a Russian passport.
At the same time, the Moldovan government is considering further steps in response to the Kremlin’s decree and does not rule out diplomatic measures, including summoning the Russian ambassador for an explanation. “We will discuss with our colleagues how to respond, and, if necessary, we will summon the Russian ambassador. You know that we have summoned him more than once in connection with the drones,” Munteanu added, alluding to previous incidents that have already strained relations between the countries.
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