Russia and Europe punish dissidents on both sides; over 4,500 citizenships revoked since October 2023
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A new Russian law and European visa restrictions are punishing Russians who oppose the war in Ukraine on both sides. The law, signed by Vladimir Putin in August 2026, restricts consular services for citizens sentenced in absentia, and more than 4,500 citizenships have been revoked since October 2023. European countries have simultaneously tightened residency renewal and asylum rules for exiled Russians.
Key Facts
- Vladimir Putin signed a law in August 2026 restricting consular services for Russian citizens sentenced in absentia in political cases.
- Since October 2023, Russian authorities have revoked more than 4,500 citizenships.
- European countries are tightening residency renewal and asylum rules for Russians who condemned the invasion of Ukraine.
- The new law covers offences including violating the foreign agent law or discrediting the Russian army.
- More than 1,600 individuals and organisations are already labelled foreign agents in Russia.
New Russian Law
Vladimir Putin signed legislation in August 2026 restricting consular services for Russian citizens sentenced in absentia in political cases. The law covers offences including violating the foreign agent law or discrediting the Russian armed forces. Those convicted will be unable to renew Russian passports or receive other essential consular services. Over 1,600 individuals and organisations are already labelled foreign agents, and the number keeps growing.
Mass Citizenship Revocations
Since October 2023, more than 4,500 people have had their Russian citizenship revoked under provisions introduced in a 2023 citizenship law. The 2023 law allows termination of citizenship for naturalised citizens convicted of offences related to discrediting the armed forces, extremism, or actions deemed threats to national security. The author lost his only citizenship in 2022 after Russia began legal proceedings against him and his family for opposing the war. His family members were detained and given three days to leave the country after the citizenship decision.
European Visa Restrictions
European countries are making residency renewal and asylum seeking more difficult for Russian citizens who condemned the invasion of Ukraine and fled. The author, exiled in Germany, became stateless and received a 50-year ban on entering Russia. He obtained Armenian citizenship after one year, while humanitarian visa programmes for Russians fleeing political persecution have since narrowed.
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Russia and Europe punish dissidents on both sides; over 4,500 citizenships revoked since October 2023
