CONFLICT
Putin Signs Decree Fast-Tracking Russian Citizenship Applications in Occupied Areas of Ukraine
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that makes it easier for Ukrainians in Russian controlled areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to apply for Russian citizenship and passports. This comes amid reports by Ukrainian intelligence that Russian forces intend on holding staged independence referendums in the regions, with speculation that Russia may later annexing them. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reacted to the decree by saying "The illegal issuing of passports … is a flagrant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as norms and principles of international humanitarian law."