Passport for battlefield: Moldova exposes Russian citizenship strategy in Transnistria
Moscow simplifies Russian passport access for people in Transnistria (photo: Getty Images)
The Kremlin's decision to simplify the issuance of Russian passports in Transnistria is linked to efforts to recruit new soldiers for the war against Ukraine. Chisinau is analyzing the situation and does not rule out diplomatic measures in response, Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated.
Why Kremlin needs new 'citizens'
The Moldovan prime minister says Moscow made this move because of a serious manpower shortage on the front line. Currently, a Russian passport is turning into a toxic document of an aggressor state that isolates its holder from the civilized world.
"I think the Kremlin's decision is linked to an attempt to recruit as many soldiers as possible for the front, given that recruitment rates have recently declined," Munteanu stressed.
He also urged residents of the unrecognized Transnistria region to weigh all risks and remember that Russian citizenship today is not about privileges or freedom of movement, but primarily about strict obligations, including military service and taxes.
Moldova responds
Moldovan authorities plan to hold consultations to approve a package of official measures in response to the decree signed by the Russian leader. One possible step could be to issue another summons to Russia's diplomatic representative.
"We will discuss with colleagues how to respond and, if necessary, summon the Russian ambassador. You know that we have already summoned him several times over drones," the prime minister concluded.
Russian passports in Transnistria
On May 15, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that simplifies access to Russian citizenship for residents of Transnistria.
Under the document, the right to obtain a Russian passport through a simplified procedure was granted to legally competent adults permanently residing in the unrecognized region.
In response to Moscow's actions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia wants to designate Transnistria as its own territory. According to the Ukrainian leader, the Kremlin is pursuing two key objectives: legitimizing the occupation of a region that belongs to Moldova and finding a new pool of recruits for the front line.
Given the presence of Russian troops in the region and potential threats, Ukraine strengthened its defenses along the border with unrecognized Transnistria in early May. Ukrainian forces are actively building a layered defense system and reinforcing protection capabilities along the southwestern frontier.
Previously, reports emerged that in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Russia may "deport" residents who refuse to obtain Russian passports.
