Let's go to citizens

The Verkhovna Rada deputies Boris Tarasyuk, Vladimir Polochaninov (both "Fatherland") and Irina Gerashchenko (hit) introduced a bill to the parliament, facilitating the provision of Ukrainian citizenship to Russian citizens. The project is published on the Rada website.

Deputies offer citizenship in a simplified manner to those Russians who do not recognize the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Kremlin and abandon the citizenship of their country. According to the bill from such persons, it will not be required to obtain citizenship in Ukraine for a certain period. Also, they will not need to obtain permits for emigration. In addition, they will be able to become citizens without knowing the Ukrainian language.

Nevertheless, these persons will be required to study the Ukrainian language in sufficient volume within two years after admission to citizenship. Otherwise, it is noted in the explanatory note, they can be deprived of citizenship.

Last week, Russian passports began in the occupied Crimea. In accordance with the Law on the annexation of the region, citizens of Ukraine and stateless persons permanently residing on the peninsula are recognized as citizens of Russia.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the European Council forbade residents of Crimea to issue any visas to Europe , including Schengen, in embassies and visa centers of the EU countries in Russia. For European visas, the Crimeans will have to contact institutions in Ukraine, and they will have to present Ukrainian passports.