Putin’s decree on simplified naturalization of Ukrainians testifies to his invading appetites - MFA

That’s according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ukrinform reports.

The ministry emphasized that such a decision is yet another encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, incompatible with the norms and principles of international law.

It is noted that the decree amends the previous ones that streamlined the procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions, now extending its effect to the rest of the Ukrainian territory.

"This, in particular, confirms the Kremlin's continued course toward seizing Ukrainian lands, destroying the Ukrainian state, and carrying out forcible assimilation of the Ukrainian nation," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.

The Ukrainian diplomacy also noted that issuing passports to Ukrainian citizens is legally void and will have no legal consequences for Ukraine.

Russia uses a simplified procedure for issuing passports to tighten the noose around the necks of residents of the temporarily occupied territories of our country, forcing them to participate in the criminal activities of the occupation administrations and the Russian invading army, diplomats are convinced.

"Ukrainian citizens do not need Putin's citizenship, and attempts to impose it by force are doomed to failure. This decree is null and void, and only shows Putin's invading appetites. I’m convinced that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will put an end to them with the proper support of partners," emphasized the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba.

The top diplomat called on Ukraine's international partners "to react harshly to Putin's new passport fantasies by urgently providing Ukraine with more heavy weapons and introducing new economic sanctions against Russia."

Any delay will only encourage Russia to commit further crimes against Ukraine and destroy peace and security worldwide, concluded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As reported, on July 11, Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing the government to grant Russian citizenship in a simplified manner to all residents of Ukraine.