Germany, France condemn Russian citizenship decree for Ukraine

Germany and France condemn Russia's legislative move simplifying requirements for people in eastern Ukraine to become Russian citizens, Germany's foreign ministry said on Thursday. "Russia's announcement contravenes the spirit and aims of the Minsk agreements. That is the opposite of the urgently needed de-escalation," the ministry said on Twitter, adding that the affected region was part of Ukraine's territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier said there was nothing wrong with giving passports to eastern Ukraine residents.