Russia ties migrants to the war through money - intelligence

The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma that increases state fees in the migration sphere by 12 times. At the same time, the document offers benefits for those who sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense during the so-called "special military operation." This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, according to UNN.

Details

According to intelligence information, based on the document published in the electronic database of the Russian parliament, the fee for acquiring or renouncing citizenship could increase from 4,200 to 50,000 rubles.

The cost of processing a residence permit will also increase—from 6,000 to 30,000 rubles—while the price for a temporary residence permit will rise from 1,900 to 15,000 rubles.

In addition, fees for visas and invitations to enter the Russian Federation will be increased.

"At the same time, the bill provides for exceptions: former citizens of the USSR, participants in the compatriot resettlement program, as well as foreigners who have signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense for at least one year during the so-called special military operation, along with their family members, are exempt from paying the fees.

Formally, the government explains the changes by the need to cover the costs of migration services and increase budget revenues. However, in practice, such a system of benefits and exemptions creates financial incentives for some migrants to consider the possibility of signing contracts with Russian military structures," the report says.

Recall

In 2026, the Russian Federation plans to recruit 18,500 foreigners for the war against Ukraine. Currently, tens of thousands of mercenaries from 48 countries are fighting in the occupying army.