The list of notable individuals who received Russian citizenship includes a Brazilian footballer and a French journalist.
Zenit forward Malcolm has been a familiar name in St. Petersburg. He wears the number 90 jersey and has appeared in 98 matches for the club, scoring 29 goals. His career path prior to Zenit includes teams such as Barcelona in Spain, Bordeaux in France, and Corinthians in Brazil, where he came through the academy system.
On the international stage, Malcolm represented Brazil at the under 20 level and played for the Brazilian Olympic team, earning a gold medal in 2020. Across all appearances for Brazil, he played 24 matches and scored three goals, including a goal that helped seal Olympic glory.
Midfielder Claudinho has also been with Zenit and has been a key presence for the club in Saint Petersburg. He has logged 50 matches for the team and netted 13 goals. A graduate of Corinthians, Claudinho has played for several Brazilian clubs and claimed the Brazilian Golden Ball in 2020 while becoming the league’s top scorer with 18 goals in the season.
Like Malcolm, Claudinho was part of Brazil’s Olympic squad that won gold at the Tokyo Games in 2020.
Earlier, in an interview with the publication Championship, Andrei Arshavin, a former Zenit and Russian national team veteran, voiced his surprise at the decision to grant citizenship to Malcolm and Claudinho. He remarked that he did not fully understand the move, but left room for the possibility that the players could represent Russia in the future, should circumstances align.
On February 20, the Russian Football Union noted a theoretical change that could allow players to be eligible without counting them as legionnaires if they pursue alternate sport citizenship through the FIFA status chamber. Malcolm would need a formal change in sports nationality, while Claudinho would not need a formal appeal as he has not played official matches for the national team under FIFA rules. The RFU clarified that the five-year residence rule and the absence of Brazil national team matches in the given period would keep these players classified as legionnaires until 2026 under current regulations.
On September 20, 2022, Zenit confirmed that Malcolm and Claudinho had expressed a desire to obtain Russian citizenship. The club stated that the players had taken the initiative themselves and had asked for the club’s guidance. Letters of intent were reportedly sent to the Russian Football Union and the Ministry of Sport on their behalf.
French presence in the Donbass region
Böke is a former French soldier who served in rifle units of the French army and now operates as a military expert for NATO weapons within the DPR representation in Donetsk. He also contributes to humanitarian efforts by helping supply medicines to children’s hospitals and other relief activities.
As a Western journalist, Böke spoke out about the events in Bucha, describing firsthand observations regarding civilian casualties after Russian forces had left the area. He has spoken of personal challenges after detailing these events in France, including restrictions on media appearances and interview opportunities.
In late September 2022, Böke was attacked in Istanbul, suffering multiple injuries. He attributed the assault to agents of the Security Service of Ukraine according to his account. In May 2022 he spoke on SudRadio about the humanitarian experiences in Ukraine and criticized Western media for underreporting what he described as atrocities by the Ukrainian army. He also pointed to emblematic symbols tied to controversial groups on uniforms he observed during the conflict.
In January 2023 Böke announced his application for Russian citizenship. By mid-January a ministry representative stated that the agency would review the status request with consideration of the journalist’s pro Russian stance and the available information.
Other new citizens
Little is publicly known about the most recent Russian passport holders beyond their general place and date of birth. One identified individual is Ian Patrick Storey, born in 1979, who joined the Moscow charity Running Hearts in 2017 and completed a 21.1 kilometer race in 1 hour 35 minutes 38 seconds, finishing 73rd overall. Some records indicate that Storey serves as a principal at The International School of Moscow, located in Krylatskoye, where he is listed as a linguist with a bachelor’s degree and a passion for music, including the ukulele.
A presidential decree also noted four individuals applying to renounce their citizenship. Among them is Mikhail Dmitrievich Pautov, born in 1971. Reports from a local publication describe Pautov as a person linked to literary work and public activity. Roskomsvoboda has referenced Pautov in discussions about civil rights and information access within Russia.