**Russia Eases Path to Citizenship for Occupied Georgian Territories**
In a move that has raised concerns about Moscow’s intentions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree making it easier for residents of Georgia’s occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to obtain Russian citizenship.
According to the decree, anyone who was considered a “citizen” of these territories on August 26, 2008 – the day Russia recognized them as independent – can now apply for Russian citizenship through an expedited process. All they need to do is submit a formal request.
This move comes after similar tactics were employed by Russia in Ukraine. In August 2024, Russia’s Interior Ministry claimed that it had issued over 2 million Russian passports to residents of occupied Ukrainian territories since October 2022. However, this figure could not be independently verified.
**A Pattern of Coercion**
The simplified citizenship process for Abkhazia and South Ossetia is a worrying sign of Moscow’s intentions. In Ukraine, Russia has been accused of systematically coercing residents of occupied regions into accepting Russian citizenship. This often involves threats of detention, deportation, or the loss of access to basic services such as medical care, employment, and humanitarian aid.
Refusal to accept Russian documentation can have serious consequences, including denial of medical care and other critical support. In fact, during the massive flooding in Kherson Oblast last year, Russia allowed evacuations only for those with Russian passports, according to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
**A History of Exploiting Conflict**
This is not the first time Putin has introduced a simplified citizenship process. He did so for Ukrainians in occupied territories in July 2022, and then again in April 2023, setting a deadline for residents to obtain Russian passports or face legal consequences.
This pattern of exploiting conflict zones to expand Russia’s territorial influence and population is a concerning trend. As the world struggles to understand Putin’s motivations, one thing is clear: independent journalism needs to shine a light on these issues to ensure that the truth is not hidden behind a paywall.
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