Russia facilitates passport issues to residents of occupied Donbas

Russia continues the process of illegal naturalization of residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, having accelerated the procedure.

This was stated by the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"From now on, occupied Donbas residents can apply for Russian citizenship without having the so-called passport of illegitimate pseudo-state entities. Mandatory conditions include holding a valid Ukrainian passport (paperback or plastic), as well as a certificate of residence in the temporarily occupied territory," said Denisova.

Also, according to the Ukrainian ombudsperson, the invaders are simplifying the process of applying for Russian citizenship for Ukrainian nationals who have been deported to Russia.

The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights stressed that all Ukrainians who were forcibly granted Russian passports remain citizens of Ukraine, and clarified that the Ukrainian state does not recognize any IDs imposed by Russia.

According to her, by their actions, the invaders continue to violate the provisions of the IV Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

"I appeal to the UN Commission of inquiry into human rights violations during Russia's military invasion of Ukraine to take into account these facts of human rights violations in Ukraine on the part of Russia," she said.

As reported referring to Ukrainian intelligence, the Russians are threatening repression against residents of the occupied territories for refusing to obtain "citizenship" of pseudo-republics.