Putin makes an important decision regarding the residence of Ukrainians in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree facilitating the residence and work of hundreds of thousands of people who have left Ukraine for Russia since the start of the invasion launched by Moscow on Ukrainian territory.
A new temporary measures allow Ukrainian passport holders and residents of the pro-Russian separatist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, in southeastern Ukraine, to stay in Russia for an “indefinite period”.
Until now, they were only allowed to stay in Russia for 90 days in a 180-day period.
It was also necessary to obtain a work permit or a special permit, in order to stay longer.
The persons concerned have now “the right to carry out professional activity in Russia without a work permit,” according to the decree.
The decree also prohibits the expulsion of Ukrainian citizens from Russia, except for those who have been released from prison or who pose a threat to Russia’s security.
Putin, by a separate decree, ordered the granting of social assistance to the neediest people (pensioners, disabled and pregnant women) who had to leave Ukraine and the separatist territories.
Moscow indicates that 3.6 million people, including 587,000 children, have fled Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the attack launched by the latter on Ukraine at the end of February.
The Russian authorities are encouraging this move, and have opened shelters across the country.
Some of these refugees, often with the help of activists, were able to leave Russia for the European Union.
In July, the Kremlin made it easier for Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship, a measure Kyiv denounced as a way to strengthen Moscow’s influence in the controlled territories.
