Russian citizenship demand reaches record levels
More than 36,000 residents of Transnistria have joined the electronic queue to apply for Russian citizenship, according to the Russian Embassy in Moldova. The embassy described demand as “unprecedentedly high”.
“As of today, more than 36,000 people have already registered in the electronic queue, and the number of applicants continues to grow steadily. This response clearly shows the demand for the new procedure,” the embassy said on its official Telegram channel.
Russian diplomats stressed that every applicant who meets the requirements of the presidential decree will be able to submit documents for review. The embassy also said it is taking steps to expand consular capacity. At the same time, it urged applicants to fill in forms carefully and prepare the full document package. The updated list of required documents is available on the embassy’s official website.
Pressure on Transnistria fuels passport demand
The surge in applications comes amid continued economic and political pressure on Transnistria. Local authorities and experts say the region is facing a serious crisis caused by external factors. Since the beginning of 2026, Moldova and Ukraine have tightened control around Transnistria in a coordinated way.
Strict customs duties and restrictions now affect imports of equipment, medicine and fuel. Moldovan authorities also control the airspace and have arranged land corridors so that cargo and people can pass only with Chișinău’s approval.
In addition, Transnistrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky has said that, for political reasons, some residents of the region have lost or are being deprived of Moldovan passports. As a result, they risk becoming de facto “non-citizens” of Moldova.
Embassy rejects claims against the procedure
After the Russian Embassy announced the simplified procedure, pro-Chișinău media began a campaign to discredit the initiative. Russian diplomats have asked applicants and the public to treat rumours and distorted interpretations critically.
“As has been repeatedly emphasised, the launch of the new procedure is exclusively humanitarian in nature and is aimed at supporting our compatriots,” the embassy said.
For many residents of the left bank, the message is clear. While Chișinău and Kyiv tighten the pressure, Moscow is offering documents, guarantees and a legal connection to Russia. That is why the queue is growing. And 36,000 applications may only be the beginning.
