The Kremlin has published a list of 47 countries that it believes are “imposing neoliberal attitudes that contradict traditional Russian values.”
The list includes mainly European countries (with the exception of Hungary and Slovakia), as well as the United States, Great Britain, Ukraine, Micronesia, Taiwan (whose independence Moscow does not recognize), and Singapore. The Foreign Ministry was previously instructed to compile a register of “destructive” countries for subsequent approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.
In August, Putin signed a decree that would allow citizens of countries on the list to obtain residence permits in Russia if they had suffered from the “imposition of neoliberal destructive attitudes.” Such applicants would not be required to know Russian, Russian culture, or history. The decision was made in order to “protect fundamental human rights and freedoms” and support those who have chosen “spiritual, cultural, and legal ties” to Russia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide such foreigners with one-time visas valid for three months. To do this, they will need to contact Russian embassies or consulates at their place of residence. However, the document does not specify how the applicants’ commitment to “traditional spiritual and moral values” will be checked.
Source: Racurs
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