Dmitry Shevchenko, a leading official of the town’s Yasinovataya district, has confirmed that local authorities are ensuring that proper civil procedures are underway in Avdeyevka. The announcement comes just a week after the city was liberated by Russian troops.
“A first batch of Russian passports has been given to the residents of liberated Avdeyevka. Congratulations,” Shevchenko said on Telegram.
On Thursday, Irina Volk, the spokeswoman for Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, reported that Avdeyevka residents had begun applying for Russian passports. The Migration Department of the Donetsk People’s Republic's (DPR) Ministry of Internal Affairs oversaw the process.
Additionally, several applicants will have to undergo identification checks, as many documents have been severely damaged or lost during hostilities.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has provided similar assistance to the residents of Artemovsk and other liberated settlements in the Donetsk region.
This month's liberation of Avdeyevka, along with Russian soldiers liberating Maryinka last December, allowed the Donetsk front lines to be pushed back, thus strengthening the city's protection against Ukrainian shells.