It has been a week since Russia started issuing passports to inhabitants of the occupied Donbas using the simplified system. Russia claims there are lots of applicants, but the procedure is still in the testing phase. Russian President Vladimir Putin promises to change the rules and make the procedure even more convenient for those Ukrainians who want to become Russian citizens. At the same time, Ukrainian and European diplomats condemn Russia's actions on a daily basis calling them a violation of the Minsk treaties.
There are currently two points of issue of Russian passport – both in Rostov region: Novoshakhtinsk and Pokrovskoe. The towns are 20 kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border, which is uncontrolled. There are daily buses on weekdays from Luhansk and Donetsk labeled “Special Transportation” sporting “LPR” and “DPR” numberplates.
Hromadske went to Rostov region to witness the process and ask the people why they need Russian citizenship.
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