Russia Simplifies Citizenship Process for Transnistria Residents Amid Regional Tensions
The Kremlin has introduced new measures to simplify the process for residents of Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, to obtain Russian citizenship. This decree, signed by President Vladimir Putin, allows permanent residents over the age of 18 to bypass certain requirements such as proving knowledge of the Russian language, history, and legislation, as well as the need to have lived in Russia for five years prior to application. This move is framed as a measure to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, according to Russian state media. Transnistria, which declared independence from Moldova in the early 1990s, is not recognized by any U.N. member country, including Russia, but relies heavily on Moscow. The region hosts a Russian military base and has a significant Russian-speaking population. 
