The State Duma is considering a bill to modify the process of terminating Russian citizenship, potentially restricting the ability to renounce it under certain circumstances. The proposed changes, submitted on July 16, are outlined on the lower house of parliament’s website.

The amendments primarily affect individuals who obtained Russian passports but evaded mandatory military registration. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) would be authorized to revoke citizenship based on confirmation from the military commissariat.

The bill introduces limitations on voluntary renunciation of citizenship. Individuals facing mobilization, actively serving in the military under contract, possessing an outstanding criminal record, or discharged from military service for negative reasons, such as disciplinary violations or criminal activity, would be barred from renouncing their citizenship.

The proposed law addresses the citizenship of children. It stipulates the automatic termination of a child’s citizenship if their parents’ citizenship is revoked, unless the other parent remains a Russian citizen or the child is under state guardianship.

From August to December 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs revoked the citizenship of 198 individuals for non-compliance with military registration obligations. This information is noted in the explanatory documents related to the bill.

The State Duma has already passed a bill in its first reading that broadens the grounds for citizenship deprivation. These grounds encompass violent sexual offenses, incitement of terrorism, justification or promotion of terrorism, assistance to enemies, confidential collaboration with foreign entities hostile to Russia, and promotion of Nazi symbols. Individuals who contribute to the implementation of decisions by foreign courts or international bodies where Russia is not a participant, or those who impact the nation’s critical information infrastructure, also risk losing their citizenship.

Nine additional articles of the Criminal Code may be added as grounds for citizenship deprivation. These include murder, lewd acts against minors, sexual intercourse with a child between the ages of 12 and 14, and involving a minor in prostitution.