Russia Issues 1,100+ ‘Traditional Values’ Visas in 2025 as Kremlin Expands Anti-Western Push

More than 1,100 foreign nationals were granted Russian visas in 2025 under a Kremlin programme for those who declare adherence to “traditional spiritual and moral values,” a senior Foreign Ministry official said, as Moscow tightens its ideological messaging during its war in Ukraine.

“Russian diplomatic missions and consular offices issued 1,112 visas in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 702,” Alexey Klimov, head of the consular department, told state media RIA Novosti.

The decree, signed by President Vladimir Putin, allows citizens from a list of countries deemed to promote “destructive neoliberal ideological policies” to apply for residence in Russia if they reject what Moscow describes as Western liberal social norms.

Putin has for years sharply criticised LGBTQ rights, gender policies and progressive social reforms in Western countries, portraying them as evidence of moral decline.

His government has increasingly elevated “traditional values” into a central pillar of state ideology, particularly since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Germany topped the list with 168 visas, followed by France (140), and the US (105). Italy received 100, Estonia 63, Latvia 60, Canada 54, Lithuania 46, and Australia 43.

The initiative has been promoted by Putin as support for those “coming under pressure” in countries where, he claims, traditional family values are being “abolished.”

Other Topics of Interest

Russian Attack Destroys Gas Stations in Ukrainian Border City

Russian forces launched a massive overnight strike on the city of Trostianets in Ukraine’s Sumy region, destroying gas stations and damaging numerous residential properties, according to Mayor Yurii Bova on Wednesday. But no civilian casualties were reported.

Putin reiterated the message on June 1, pledging support for foreigners willing to move to Russia to “live, work and raise children.”