OREANDA-NEWS. The European Union doesn't plan to introduce new sanctions against Russia for the introduction of a simplified process of obtaining citizenship for residents of the DPR and LPR. This became known from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Tomash Petříček, reports the Russian media. A Czech official made a loud statement at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Petrzichek, in response to a question from Ukrainian journalists, whether the EU plans to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, noted that the European Union is likely to resort to diplomacy.

“We want a dialogue rather than using the methods of pressure resorted to by Russia,” said the Czech Foreign Minister, stressing that the EU continues to “support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”. 

The fact that the issue will not be ignored, confirmed the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Theodore Melescanu. According to him, “the problem will be discussed at the ministerial meeting,” which already agreed that “it was not the best measure” on the part of Russia. “Citizens should have a choice, but pushing citizens to obtain citizenship - this can create problems for Ukraine,” said Meleshkanu. The source emphasizes that at the same time, the Romanian government for the past 10 years has been providing citizens of Moldova with the possibility of obtaining citizenship under a simplified scheme. 

Earlier, Vladimir Putin signed a decree on a simplified system for obtaining Russian passports by residents of Donbass, according to which applications from those who wish will be accepted in certain areas of Donetsk and Lugansk regions. In this case, they will be considered within three months. Issuing new passports is planned in the Rostov region of the Russian Federation.