Transnistrian Moldovan Republic (PMR) leader Vadim Krasnoselski announced a surge in applications after Russia's decree simplifying citizenship procedures for residents of the region. According to Krasnoselski's statement to RIA Novosti, more than 50,000 people applied for Russian citizenship in the first month alone.
The Transnistrian leader said, "This once again proves how timely and in demand the Russian Federation President's decision is."
Krasnoselski noted that the high volume of applications was expected, attributing it to Russia's historical importance in the lives of the region's people. "Many families in Transnistria have relatives in Russia. Many people studied, worked there and are in constant contact. For a significant portion, Russian citizenship is a natural continuation of these ties," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously signed a decree allowing residents of Transnistria to apply for Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure.
Pointing to the heavy application traffic, Krasnoselski said, "In cooperation with the Russian side, all measures are being taken to make the document processing for citizens as fast and convenient as possible."
With a population of approximately 455,700, Transnistria already has around 220,000 Russian citizens, according to official data. Consular services in the region are provided by a mobile consular point in Tiraspol, operating under the Russian Embassy in Moldova.