President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing foreign citizens and stateless individuals to apply for temporary residency in Russia based on “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values,” regardless of their knowledge of the Russian language. This decree intends to support those who oppose the “destructive neoliberal ideological agenda” in their home countries.
The Russian government will compile a list of countries deemed to be promoting a “destructive neoliberal agenda” within 30 days. Individuals applying for temporary residence under this humanitarian scheme are not required to demonstrate proficiency in the Russian language or knowledge of its history and laws.
Russia’s efforts to attract conservative Westerners have been increasing, with plans for a “migrant village” near Moscow for American expats and recent cases of American families seeking asylum due to the perceived erosion of traditional values in the United States.