Russia Makes it Easier to Get Passports in Transnistria

May 16, 2026, 21:50
EuropePolitics

Introduction

President Vladimir Putin says people in Transnistria can now get Russian citizenship more easily.

Main Body

People aged 18 and older in Transnistria can now get Russian passports. They do not need to live in Russia for five years. They do not need to take tests on Russian language or history. Transnistria is a small area. It is not a recognized country, but it has its own army. Russia has 1,500 soldiers there. This area had a war with Moldova in the 1990s. Russia says this helps people. But the leaders of Moldova and Ukraine are worried. They think Russia wants more soldiers for its war. They think Russia wants to control more land.

Conclusion

Russia made it easy to get passports, but Moldova and Ukraine think this is a bad move.

Learning

⚡ The 'Do Not' Pattern

In this text, we see a very useful way to say something is not required.

The Rule: Subject + do not + verb

Examples from the story:

  • They do not need to live in Russia. →\rightarrow (No requirement to stay there)
  • They do not need to take tests. →\rightarrow (No exam is necessary)

🌍 Simple Descriptors

To reach A2, you must describe places quickly. Look at how the text does this:

  • Size: "a small area"
  • Status: "not a recognized country"

Quick Tip: Use A/An + Adjective + Noun to give a fast description.

💭 Opinion Words

How do we show what people think? Use these simple verbs:

  1. Says →\rightarrow (Giving information)
  2. Think →\rightarrow (An opinion or belief)
  3. Worried →\rightarrow (A feeling of fear/stress)

Vocabulary Learning

people (n.)
a group of humans
Example:People in Transnistria can now get Russian passports.
aged (adj.)
having reached a certain age
Example:People aged 18 and older can apply.
live (v.)
to reside in a place
Example:They do not need to live in Russia for five years.
years (n.)
units of time equal to 365 days
Example:They do not need to live in Russia for five years.
tests (n.)
formal examinations
Example:They do not need to take tests on Russian language.
language (n.)
system of communication
Example:Tests on Russian language.
history (n.)
study of past events
Example:Tests on Russian history.
small (adj.)
not large in size
Example:Transnistria is a small area.
area (n.)
a part of a place
Example:Transnistria is a small area.
recognized (adj.)
accepted as legitimate
Example:It is not a recognized country.
country (n.)
a nation with its own government
Example:It is not a recognized country.
army (n.)
military force of a nation
Example:It has its own army.