17:02 17-05-2026

Zelensky Warns Putin’s Transnistria Decree Raises Risks

Zelensky says Putin’s citizenship decree for Transnistria may raise regional tensions as Ukraine consults Moldova and weighs possible next steps in response.

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Vladimir Zelensky has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree simplifying access to Russian citizenship for residents of Transnistria could further inflame tensions in the region. He raised the concern in a video address posted on Telegram.

According to Zelensky, the Kremlin’s decision may be tied to an attempt to broaden the pool of people who could later be drawn into military service. He said the move should not be ignored by Ukraine’s diplomatic institutions or security agencies.

Zelensky said he had already instructed Ukraine’s foreign ministry to hold consultations with Moldova on the issue. He also expects Ukrainian intelligence and security services to submit proposals on possible countermeasures.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu also responded to Putin’s decree, describing it as part of Russia’s pressure tactics against Moldova amid Chisinau’s efforts to reintegrate Transnistria.

Putin signed the decree on May 15, introducing a special procedure for granting Russian citizenship to residents of Transnistria. Under the document, they will be able to submit applications through a simplified process.

The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic has a population of just over 450,000. According to official data, around 220,000 people in the region already hold Russian citizenship. Consular services are provided in Tiraspol.