In the Moscow region, the St. Petersburg area, and the Leningrad region, the interior affairs authorities have begun issuing initial rulings to revoke the citizenship of individuals who have committed crimes within Russia. These actions were confirmed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The ministry explained that, under a federal law that took effect on October 26, citizenship may be terminated for those who obtained Russian citizenship and subsequently engaged in criminal activity or actions that threaten national security. Importantly, the timing of the crime or the threatening conduct does not affect the legality of the decision to revoke citizenship.
At present, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation is conducting verification activities to identify citizens who committed crimes after receiving citizenship, with the aim of reviewing their eligibility for termination of citizenship.
The ministry stressed that individuals whose citizenship is canceled will be deported from the country after serving their sentences in custody.
Earlier reports noted that the Russian government does not back a plan to strip citizenship acquired to avoid military service from being revoked. This stance reflects a broader policy framework that seeks to balance national security with civil procedures.
Additional context has emerged from other outlets noting various political and demographic developments in the region and neighboring countries. Such reports provide background but do not alter the central legal framework described by the interior ministry.