Political

Experts warn Russia uses citizenship to expand its influence in the region

The recent decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin simplifies the process for residents of the left bank of the Nistru to obtain Russian citizenship. This move represents a new effort by the Kremlin to strengthen its influence in the region. Former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Alexandru Flenchea, has warned that this tactic could be used to recruit Moldovan citizens.

Alexandru Flenchea stated on the ÎN CONTEXT show on Moldova 1, "It is certain that obtaining a Russian passport comes with the limited rights that Russian citizens possess, along with the numerous obligations and debts they owe to the Russian Federation."

Flenchea, an expert on reintegration policies, believes that the new decree has a significant political and propagandistic nature and sets a geopolitical precedent.

He emphasized that "what matters here is the context of this political approach. On the one hand, it aims to intimidate us, fostering public discussions and debates that stoke fears among Moldovans. On the other hand, the backdrop of these decisions includes two important legislative actions taken by the Republic of Moldova concerning the citizenship of our citizens from the left bank of the Nistru. Additionally, there is the decision to withdraw Moldovan citizenship from two groups totalling about 15 individuals, former alleged military officials from the Russian contingent. In this way, Moscow has effectively leveraged these decisions."

In this context, Flenchea explained that the Kremlin leader is attempting to convey to the residents of the separatist region that Russia aims to protect them, while Chisinau is neglecting its own citizens and is "totally disinterested." This, he argues, is the message Moscow is promoting intensively through Tiraspol.

For these reasons, Chisinau must respond with clear actions and policies aimed at safeguarding the rights of citizens on the left bank of the Nistru and reinforcing their trust.

Flenchea concluded, "The state must understand the actions it needs to take. The message must be clearly conveyed to our citizens on the left bank of the Nistru: only the Republic of Moldova can protect and defend their rights. If the Republic of Moldova fails to defend their rights, the Russian Federation will step in. We have seen in several countries how Russia knows how to advocate for the rights of its citizens abroad, and unfortunately, we continue to witness what is happening in Ukraine."

President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu expressed concerns regarding a decree signed by Vladimir Putin on May 15. This decree simplifies the process for residents of the left bank of the Nistru to obtain Russian citizenship and could be perceived as an attempt by the Kremlin to bolster its military forces currently engaged in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also condemned this action, describing it as a move by Moscow to “consolidate its influence” and “increase the number of its soldiers.”

The document signed on May 15 allows foreign citizens and stateless individuals aged 18 and over, who permanently reside in the Transnistrian region, to apply for Russian citizenship under favorable conditions, in accordance with the Russian Federal Law on Citizenship of 2023.

According to the Bureau for Reintegration Policies, of the 364,885 registered residents in the region, over 97% (356,833) hold Moldovan citizenship.

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