---
title: "Moldova rebukes Moscow envoy over expedited passport distribution "
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/84740/moldova-rebukes-moscow-envoy-over-expedited-passport-distribution
published: 2026-09-09T17:07:06Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "Regional"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldova rebukes Moscow envoy over expedited passport distribution 

> Moldovan authorities condemned Moscow's expedited passport distribution in the breakaway eastern districts as an irresponsible provocation that further undermines Russia’s credibility as a mediator in the settlement process, officials said Wednesday.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/f89d0909-a6c6-4c7c-b986-366722add011.jpg)

Moldovan authorities condemned Moscow's expedited passport distribution in the breakaway eastern districts as an irresponsible provocation that further undermines Russia’s credibility as a mediator in the settlement process, officials said Wednesday.

![Novostipmr](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/f65d6a51-b80f-4d52-9af4-eef16c872442.jpg)

*Sursa: Novostipmr*

**Tiraspol handover triggers diplomatic friction**

The reaction follows a visit to Tiraspol on September 8 by Russia’s ambassador-designate to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, who handed out the first eight Russian passports issued under an expedited procedure. 

*“It was a symbolic, unfriendly, and irresponsible action toward the status of a country that claims to be a mediator in the settlement process of the Transnistrian conflict,”* said Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri following a cabinet meeting on September 9. *“These actions raise serious questions regarding the already damaged credibility of the ‘mediator.’”*

Local media on the left bank of the Dniester reported that over 60,000 residents have applied for Russian citizenship following a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15, 2026, which exempts permanent residents in the separatist area from standard naturalization requirements. Separatus outlets claimed that the first 100 applications had already received approval.

**Demographic data confirms widespread Moldovan citizenship**

Despite Moscow's political overtures, official data reveals that the overwhelming majority of the population in the region maintains legal and civil allegiance to Moldova. According to the Public Services Agency (ASP), 359,867 of the 366,830 individuals registered on the left bank of the Dniester and in the municipality of Bender held Moldovan citizenship as of late June 2026.

Official records show that more than 339,000 residents hold national Moldovan passports, while over 301,000 possess domestic identity cards. The state register also accounts for 6,963 foreign nationals residing in the eastern districts, including permanent and temporary residence permit holders, stateless individuals, and refugees.

During the first six months of 2026, demand for Moldovan identity documents continued to rise under state facilitation mechanisms. A total of 7,404 residents received fee exemptions when obtaining their identity cards, compared to 1,419 during the corresponding period last year, demonstrating sustained integration with legal authorities in Chisinau.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

***
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