Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted a decree that provides residents of specific regions in Ukraine, under Moscow's influence, with the opportunity to obtain Russian citizenship. However, those who refuse or fail to legalize their status could face deportation.

The decree, reported by Russian media agencies on Friday, encompasses four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia and partially controlled by Moscow: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine's government insists on reclaiming all four regions and accuses Moscow of pressuring its citizens to accept Russian citizenship.

Hanna Malyar, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister, recently accused Russia of attempting to alter the "ethnic composition" of occupied territories by introducing settlers from distant parts of Russia and deporting individuals suspected of being pro-Ukrainian.

According to the decree, Ukrainian citizens or passport holders from Russia-backed separatist republics residing in the four regions can initiate the process of becoming Russian citizens or legalize their status with Russian authorities.

However, the decree states that individuals who do not undertake such measures by July 1, 2024, will be considered foreign citizens, putting them at risk of deportation from areas Moscow perceives as part of Russia.

The decree also permits the expulsion of individuals from the four regions who are considered national security threats or participate in unauthorized gatherings.

In particular, the decree identifies those advocating for "the violent change" of Russia's constitutional order or those funding or organizing terrorist attacks as potential candidates for deportation.