Putin's citizenship easing decree stokes fears of 'cannon fodder' recruitment in Moldova

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a new decree, easing the way for individuals from Moldova, Belarus, and Kazakhstan residing in Russia to secure Russian citizenship. They are now exempt from providing proof of constant residence in Russia, states pravda.com.ua. The only pre-requisites for securing a Russian passport are now a permit for residing in the country and successful completion of a test on Russian governance and history.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean expressed his concerns regarding Moscow's changes during a TV8 interview. He viewed Putin's decree as a fresh bid to conscript 'cannon fodder,' necessary for perpetuating the 'inhuman and puzzling war provoked by Russia in neighboring Ukraine.'

Recean advised citizens against taking this course, acknowledging that presently, around 150 to 200 thousand Moldovans are living in Russia.

As noted by PAP, quoting Andriy Cherniak, a member of Ukrainian military intelligence, around 433 thousand soldiers and nearly 30 thousand Rosguard troops are currently engaged on the Russian side in the conflict with Ukraine. Additionally, Oleksiy Danilov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, recently cautioned that Russia might aspire for a 'total mobilization' following the presidential elections slated for 2024.