Fact Check: Putin's decree forces Ukrainians to leave or accept Russian citizenship by September 10.

Fact Check: "Putin's decree forces Ukrainians to leave or accept Russian citizenship by September 10"

What We Know

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree that requires Ukrainian citizens who are "illegally staying" in Russia to either legalize their status or leave the country by September 10, 2025. This decree was signed on March 20, 2025, and specifically targets Ukrainians from the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, which Russia claims to have annexed in 2022 (source-3, source-5). The decree stipulates that those without legal grounds for residence must either leave the Russian Federation or regulate their legal status by the deadline (source-6).

Additionally, the decree has been characterized as part of a broader strategy to pressure Ukrainians into accepting Russian citizenship, which has been described as a tool for the Kremlin to erase Ukrainian identity in occupied territories (source-1). Reports indicate that access to essential services such as healthcare and social assistance is often contingent upon possessing Russian documentation, further coercing residents into compliance (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that "Putin's decree forces Ukrainians to leave or accept Russian citizenship by September 10" is supported by the official wording of the decree, which indeed mandates that Ukrainians must either legalize their status or leave Russia. However, it is crucial to note that the decree specifically applies to Ukrainians who are already in Russia without legal residency status, rather than a blanket requirement for all Ukrainians in occupied territories.

The sources used to substantiate this claim are credible, including reports from established news organizations and legal information portals (source-3, source-5). The Atlantic Council article provides context about the broader implications of this decree as part of Russia's ongoing efforts to assimilate Ukrainian territory and suppress Ukrainian identity (source-1).

However, while the decree does indeed create a coercive environment for Ukrainians, it is essential to clarify that it does not apply universally to all Ukrainians in occupied territories but specifically targets those without legal status in Russia. This distinction is important for understanding the scope and intent of the decree.

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the essence of Putin's decree requiring Ukrainians to either legalize their status or leave by September 10, it lacks specificity regarding the context of those affected. The decree applies primarily to Ukrainians who are in Russia without legal residency, rather than all Ukrainians in occupied regions. This nuance is critical in evaluating the claim's overall accuracy and implications.

Fact Check: Putin's decree forces Ukrainians to leave or accept Russian citizenship by September 10.