Russia: Strategic developments in Slyudyanka
An American who lived in the Russian Federation for four years stated that he was required to undergo military service to obtain legal status A US and Mexican citizen, Dan Castle, who lived in the city of Slyudyanka, Irkutsk Oblast, for four years, said that to legalize his status in Russia, he was required to undergo military service or confirm his unfitness for it. The American spoke about this on his YouTube channel. Changing requirements. Before moving to the Russian Federation, Castle served in the US Army, in particular, he has combat experience in Afghanistan. According to the American, he lived in the Russian Federation for four years, got married, bought an apartment, acquired land, and started building a house while on a tourist visa in the country. In October 2025, the American had a son. All this time he was trying to legalize his status in the country, while the rules for obtaining such documents were constantly changing. According to the American, at first, a residence permit could be obtained based on marriage to a Russian citizen. Then they started requiring several years of marriage to a Russian woman and a common child. "It seems that in November 2025, a new decree was issued: in order for you to even be considered as a candidate for obtaining the right to reside, a permanent residence permit, or citizenship, you need to undergo military service or confirm that you are unfit for it. Now that I have a son, I cannot imagine going to war again under any circumstances," Castle said. Novaya Gazeta. Europe - Read also American's plan. The US and Mexican citizen said that he does not plan to extend his visa, which is in his American passport. It is valid until December, during which time Castle plans to travel to Mongolia and apply for a family visa at the Russian representative office on his Mexican passport. "I don't want to enter Russia on my American passport anymore. In Russia, it offers few advantages. Every time you arrive with it, there are additional questions or you are looked at with suspicion because the USA is considered an unfriendly country," Castle explained. The American does not plan to participate in a program for foreigners who share "traditional values." He said that he did not flee the US and did not leave it for ideological reasons, so such a program is not for him. Not the first case. Earlier, Canadian farmer Arend Feinstra, who moved with his family to Russia under a simplified program for citizens of "unfriendly countries," complained that to obtain a residence permit, he was required to sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense. Feinstra noted that he does not want to go to war because he has eight young children and a farm to manage.
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This event was reported on rssby @Novaya Gazeta Europe. The summary above is an automated, neutral description; always consult the original report before relying on it.
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