Putin orders money to be distributed to Ukrainians going to Russia

The decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 27 stipulates the payment of monthly and one-time allowances to evacuees who came to the country from two separatist regions in Donbass as well as other areas on Ukrainian territory.

Accordingly, Ukrainians over 80 years old and disabled people will receive a monthly allowance of 10,000 rubles ($166). Pregnant women will receive a one-time allowance of the same amount.

The decree comes into force from the date of its signing, but benefits will be calculated from July 1. Refugees from Ukraine who entered Russia after February 18 will also receive similar benefits.

Mr. Putin signed a decree with a similar allowance on February 18, applying to all individuals from two separatist regions in Donbass, eastern Ukraine, including the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) and the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).

Russian soldiers patrol in downtown Mariupol on April 12. Photo:AFP.

Russia has recently issued passports to Ukrainians who have evacuated to the country or are living in areas controlled by the Russian military on Ukrainian territory. Kiev and the West accuse this as part of a plan to prepare for the future annexation of Ukrainian territory into Russia.

President Putin also ordered relevant agencies to help Ukrainian passport holders in Russia to live and work indefinitely. Previously, Ukrainian citizens were only allowed to stay in Russia for a maximum of 90 days and one visa extension, for a total of 180 days.

Mr Putin's new decree also prohibits authorities from deporting Ukrainian citizens, except in cases where they have served time in prison or are considered a threat to national security.

Russia says some 3.6 million Ukrainian citizens, including some 587,000 children, have fled to the country since fighting broke out in February.