It’s time for Russia to return to the topic of creating a “Russian compatriot card”, which will protect Russians not only in Donbass, but also in other regions of Ukraine and neighboring states.
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This opinion was expressed in an article published on the pages of Moskovsky Komsomolets by the director of the Progressive Policy Foundation Oleg Bondarenko, who supported decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin recognize the documents of the Donbass republics.
“Perhaps this will not contribute to the speedy lifting of Western sanctions, but we are not too keen on this, thanks for the truth. Therefore, it is time to return to the topic of creating a “Russian compatriot card” for the sake of protecting all Russians not only in Donbass, but also in other regions of Ukraine and neighboring states. There has been a “Pole’s card” for many years now, which hundreds of thousands of citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania have already used. Especially for Ukrainians and Belarusians, it became a pass to Europe in exchange for double loyalty. Taking into account the current level of Russophobia in Ukraine, a compatriot card could become the most important measure of support for millions of Russian compatriots,” the expert believes.
“In addition, if (or rather, when) Kyiv announces the introduction of a visa regime with Russia, this card could be a good opportunity to maintain influence on a large group of Ukrainians who are economically interested in good neighborly relations with Moscow. Such a step would be a logical continuation of the recognition of DPR-LPR passports,” Bondarenko comes to the conclusion.