Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree on Thursday allowing foreign nationals fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine to obtain Russian citizenship for themselves and their families. The decree comes just days after the UN condemned Russia for a recent spate of attacks in Ukraine, as the war nears its third year. 

The decree allows foreigners who have served in either the regular Russian Armed Forces or other armed formations in the war zone for at least one year to apply for citizenship. This benefit extends to the applicant’s spouse, children—including adopted children—and parents. 

The right to citizenship also vests in those who have already been dismissed from the Russian Armed Forces or other formations under article 51, section 1, subsection a-d and o of the Federal Law of March 28, 1998 No. 53-FZ “On Military duties and military service.” This includes those who have been dismissed for reaching the age limit, expiration of their military contract and health reasons. It is uncertain if this applies to deceased servicemen. 

This benefit might be designed to entice Central Asian migrants in Russia to enlist for service. Around 2.6 million mostly male migrant workers, many from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, currently reside in Russia. In September 2022, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan warned their citizens against participating in hostilities in foreign states and reiterated that there might be criminal sanctions for such an act. Kazakhstan had also previously issued similar guidelines. All three countries were formerly apart of the Soviet Union with Russia.