Officials in Kiev slammed the move, saying the timing was aimed to destabilise Ukraine during a period of transition. He urged residents in eastern Ukraine not to take Russian passports. She said the move is a "gross violation" of peace agreements signed by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany in Minsk in 2015. He has said he wants to "renew relations" with the residents of eastern Ukraine, saying "they are also Ukrainians". People living in eastern Ukraine mainly have access to Russian television channels.

Source: Bangkok Post April 24, 2019 15:45 UTC