Ukraine considers Putin's decree on Russian passports "null and void"

ALYONA MAZURENKO - WEDNESDAY, 25 MAY, 2022, 6:58 P.M.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, which forces residents of the territories temporarily occupied by the Russian army in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts to acquire Russian citizenship.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Facebook

Quote: "The illegal introduction of [Russian] passports in Kherson and Zaporizhia, as well as in Crimea and the temporarily occupied part of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts, is a gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the norms and principles of international humanitarian law.

The Russian President’s decree is legally null and void and will have no legal consequences."

Details: Ukraine is calling on the international community to stop Russia.

Ukrainian diplomats demand immediate adoption of the sixth package of EU sanctions, which will include an embargo on Russian oil.

The Foreign Ministry also called on international partners to speed up decisions on further provision of weapons to Ukraine, primarily multiple rocket launchers.

Background:

• On 25 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on simplified admission to Russian citizenship for residents of the occupied territories of Ukraine’s Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts.
• The occupation authorities have stated that all Kherson Oblast residents will have the right to obtain Russian citizenship, and are also going to resume the use of the coat of arms of the Russian Empire in the occupied territories.