Russia to offer sanctuary to 'refugees' from 'neoliberal' values

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a decree aimed at facilitating the relocation to Russia of individuals who support traditional values and oppose "neoliberal" ideas.

The decree allows those who reject gender change, LGBT policies, and criticism of traditional religions to obtain Russian residence permits more easily, bypassing certain standard procedures outlined in Russian legislation.

Specifically, they will not be required to provide documentation proving proficiency in the Russian, knowledge of Russian history, or understanding of Russian laws.

Applicants can cite their opposition to the policies of their home countries, which impose what they view as "destructive neoliberal ideological attitudes that contradict traditional Russian spiritual and moral values," as the reason for their appeal.

Under the decree, the Russian Foreign Ministry is tasked with presenting the president with a list of countries that promote these "destructive neoliberal ideological views" which are deemed incompatible with Russian spiritual and moral values.

In 2013, Russian lawmakers prohibited the promotion of LGBT values, with the law being updated in 2022. It provides for a maximum punishment of fines of up to 5 million rubles ($56,200).

In 2023, the international LGBT movement was classified as an extremist organization and banned in Russia.