Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decision today, Friday, that paves the way for granting Russian citizenship to those living in regions of Ukraine controlled by Moscow. However, this means that those who refuse or do not regularize their status will face the prospect of deportation. The decision includes four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims are part of its territory and partially controls: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia. Kyiv has stated that it will reclaim the four areas and accuses Moscow of trying to intimidate its citizens into accepting Russian citizenship.
**Economic Concerns**
In a parallel development, Putin believes that Russia must act quickly to counter what he called "Western economic aggression," stating that Moscow will expand its relations with countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Putin added during a meeting with Russian lawmakers, "Today, in the face of Western economic aggression, the parliament, government, and all regional and local authorities must work clearly and quickly as a cohesive team."
