Putin says Russia may offer fast-tracked passports to all Ukrainians

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press briefing following Russian-North Korean talks at the Far Eastern Federal University campus on the Russky Island in Vladivostok, Russia, April 25, 2019. Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool via REUTERS

BEIJING (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday Moscow was considering offering all Ukrainian citizens fast-tracked Russian passports, a move likely to anger some politicians in Ukraine which has been at war with pro-Russian separatists since 2014.

Putin made the statement days after signing an order to simplify the procedure for obtaining a Russian passport for residents of separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine, prompting calls from Kiev for more international sanctions.