Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree granting citizenship to Cameron Lee, a Canadian hockey player with ties to the Khabarovsk-based Amur team. The decree was published in the official gazette, marking a formal step in the citizenship process.
The document specifies, “In accordance with paragraph a of Article 89 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, I decide to grant citizenship of the Russian Federation to the following person: Lee Cameron Carleton, born February 18, 1997.”
On July 31, Cameron Lee announced his intention to pursue Russian citizenship in the near future, describing it as a personal initiative rather than a formal obligation or requirement from any club or league.
During the most recent Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) season, Cameron Lee took part in 53 games, accumulating 20 points (7 goals and 13 assists) and posting a +1 on the team’s efficiency metric. He missed the final stretch of the season due to a broken collarbone. In the current season, he has appeared in 9 games, contributing one goal and five assists.
In context, on August 9, American Dynamo defenseman Brennan Menell was granted Russian citizenship, which removed him from foreign player status in Russia and impacted roster composition.
A former Canadian forward for Dynamo explained the situation, noting questions about how the process and eligibility work within the Russian system and league rules, and why certain moves may appear inconsistent to outside observers.