Putin toughens rules for Ukrainian citizens staying in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree mandating that Ukrainian citizens residing in Russia without legal grounds must either legalize their stay or leave the country by September 10, 2025.

The decree, which was published on the official legal information portal, sets a clear deadline for compliance, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

According to the decree, Ukrainian nationals who do not have valid residence permits or legal authorization for their stay in Russia must take action before the deadline.

The decree states: "Citizens of Ukraine staying in the Russian Federation who have no legal grounds for stay (residence) in the Russian Federation are obliged to leave the Russian Federation on their own or to settle their legal status in the Russian Federation until September 10, 2025 inclusive."

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation has been instructed to exclude prosecution for violations of stay regulations during this period for Ukrainian citizens who have undergone dactyloscopy, photography, and medical examination. This leniency applies to violations detected when applying for legalization of stay.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health of Russia has been tasked with conducting medical examinations for Ukrainian citizens within the same timeframe.

By Khagan Isayev